St Nicholas CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 January 2023

Pupils are proud to be part of the 'St Nic's' community. They feel happy and safe. Pupils of all ages work and play alongside each other well. Unkindness is rare and bullying is even rarer. Pupils know that adults in school would act and resolve any bullying. Adults have high expectations of behaviour and nurture all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Parents who responded to Ofsted's online survey agreed, with one stating: 'Our children are nurtured, encouraged and are thriving.' Adults know pupils well. They understand that some pupils need extra care and guidance, and they get this. There is a strong sense of belonging where pupils say it is 'good to be different'. Assemblies promote this as well as taking time to celebrate success. 'High fives', are awarded to pupils who show the school's values of 'belonging, compassion and resilience'. Trips, visits and first-hand experiences support pupils' learning. For example, in the newly developed garden area, pupils learn about planting and composting, developing their scientific knowledge. Pupils have high aspirations. One pupil told an inspector it was important he did well in mathematics and art, as he wants to be an architect when he leaves school.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not identified the knowledge that teachers need to teach precisely enough. Teachers are not able to pinpoint the knowledge pupils need to know and remember, meaning pupils are not always learning as much as they could. Leaders need to continue to refine the curriculum to identify and map out the exact knowledge pupils need to learn and when they need to learn it.

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