St John's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 May 2023

Pupils and children benefit from the clear routines and structures that leaders have put in place. As a result, pupils feel safe in school. Pupils trust that staff will help them when needed. Staff know pupils and their families well. Leaders have ensured that strong, positive relationships exist between pupils, staff, parents and carers. Pupils are friendly and confident. They are happy to attend each day, and they are proud of their school. Leaders and staff have high expectations for pupils' behaviour and achievement. This, in turn, instils self-belief in pupils. Pupils behave well, and they expect the best of their peers. By the end of their time in primary school, most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils care for one another. For example, they look out for anyone who may be on their own and check that they are not lonely. Pupils learn about how to tackle and resolve any fallings out with their friends. Leaders deal with any incidents of bullying swiftly and effectively. Many pupils relish taking part in musical theatre club and performing in front of large audiences. Pupils are proud of their drawings and paintings, which were exhibited in the St John's art festival. Pupils in Year 4 begin learning to play the clarinet or flute. Pupils benefit from a range of extra-curricular sporting activities.

What the school should improve

• A small number of staff are still honing their expertise to deliver some aspects of the early reading curriculum. This means that a very small number of pupils are not supported as well as they should be to catch up quickly and read fluently. Leaders should ensure that there is a consistent approach to the teaching of reading fluency so that pupils become confident readers as quickly as possible.
• In a small number of subjects, some teachers are not as well equipped to use assessment methods to check on what pupils have learned and remembered. This hinders some pupils in building up a secure body of knowledge over time. Leaders should ensure that staff are supported to use assessment methods so that teachers can identify and address swiftly any gaps in pupils' knowledge.

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