St Giles' CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

There is a happy, family-like atmosphere at this friendly village school. From the moment children join in Reception, they build positive relationships with staff. Many pupils join the school at different times. They and their families are warmly welcomed and helped to settle in quickly. Attendance at the school is improving. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. Pupils have a strong sense of belonging. The school's house system encourages teamwork and collaboration. House captains lead their teams ably, developing responsibility and confidence. Pupils socialise happily across age groups in the playground and dining room. In Reception, children learn routines that enable them to behave well, whether they are learning or playing. These routines continue to support pupils’ positive conduct throughout the school. Staff are positive role models for the behaviours and attitudes they want pupils to learn. Consequently, pupils regularly demonstrate the school's values of respect, kindness, courage, honesty and perseverance. All pupils are included in the school's rich, wider offer to prepare them for their future lives. They participate in competitive sports and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as chess club and book club. Trips take pupils beyond their immediate environment and introduce them to new experiences. The school's small size means all staff get to know pupils and their families well. They know which pupils need additional support, for example pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff ensure that pupils receive the help they need to overcome any barriers to learning. Since the last inspection, there has been significant turbulence in leadership and staffing. Over several years, a number of pupils have left the school without the important knowledge they need in reading, writing and mathematics. This limits how well prepared they are for the next stage of their education. Pupils currently at the school are benefiting from the actions taken by leaders. These include changes to the curriculum. This is beginning to have positive impact on what they know and remember.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that the gaps in pupils’ foundational knowledge close rapidly, in order to improve pupils’ achievement, particularly in phonics and mathematics. • Leaders should ensure the consistent use of formative assessment to identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.

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