St John's Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School, Lemsford

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

Pupils like attending this happy and friendly school. Staff and pupils have secure and warm relationships and they show respect for one another. Pupils learn to be considerate of others. Some older pupils explained that at St John's 'we accept everyone'. Pupils have a self-confidence that comes from feeling valued. Pupils feel safe at this school. Leaders and teachers have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and attitudes. Most pupils behave well. They understand that this is important as it helps everyone to learn. Occasionally, a few pupils lack full engagement in some of their lessons. Bullying is infrequent and if it does occur, pupils know that staff will help them stop it. Pupils enjoy all aspects of learning and they learn a broad range of subjects. Although a few subjects are still in the stages of being changed and fully implemented. Older pupils have developed a sense of their worth and the value of their opinions, such as when talking about what is right and wrong. Pupils take part in jobs that help them to develop their understanding of British values, for instance being part of the school council and eco-council. Pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the curriculum is not developed enough to enable teachers to make secure links with past knowledge and skills or to consistently provide pupils with opportunities to challenge themselves. This means that sometimes pupils are not sure how their current learning links to past learning, and, occasionally, they practise skills they are already proficient in. Leaders need to ensure that subject plans are carefully constructed to make connections with past learning and to help teachers make adaptations to planning so pupils can deepen their knowledge in every lesson.
• In reading, not all teachers use the same consistent approaches. This means that some pupils do not embed the knowledge they need as well as others. Leaders need to ensure that all teachers use the programme in the same way, to make sure all pupils learn the same content.

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