St John's Church of England Aided Primary School, Shildon

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

Everyone is welcome at this inclusive and friendly school. Leaders have continued to develop an environment where relationships between pupils and staff are kind and respectful. Staff take extremely good care of pupils and help them to learn well. Parents and carers commented to inspectors that staff go 'above and beyond' to make sure all children are happy and supported. Pupils enjoy lessons. Older pupils discuss their ideas enthusiastically. Their concentration, when listening and discussing books such as Michael Morpurgo's 'Hereabout Hill', is impressive. Staff model positive relationships and behaviour exceptionally well. Consequently, pupils know what is expected of them. Pupils consistently show positive attitudes to learning in lessons. They know how to manage friendships so that everyone gets along most of the time. Pupils are knowledgeable about different types of bullying. They speak out against bullying on the rare occasion that it occurs. Staff are always there to sort out issues swiftly. Leaders make sure that everyone participates in the wide range of activities on offer. Pupils have many opportunities to develop their talents and interests. For example, they enjoyed giving speeches in London at an event for the Worshipful Company of Iron Mongers, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pupils are proud of their participation in many sporting events, such as athletics at county level. They enjoy taking part in many events where they are invited to sing, for example at the Diocese of Durham Synod meeting.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, including history, leaders and governors do not have a comprehensive picture of how well the recently revised curriculum is being implemented. Leaders do not know where there are gaps in pupils' knowledge. Some pupils struggle to remember and cannot make connections to previous learning. Leaders should check that the curriculum is implemented successfully and that teachers continue to receive training to help pupils build knowledge.
• Some pupils in the early stages of learning to read struggle to access the learning in phonics lessons because the activities are too hard for them. These pupils do not keep up with their peers. Leaders need to make sure that teachers build on all pupils' prior phonic knowledge in lessons.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)