Stalbridge Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2023

Stalbridge is a friendly school where new pupils feel welcome. The school's values of 'believe, discover, aspire' underpin the curriculum and school life. Leaders are ambitious for pupils. Pupils gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful at their next school and later on in life. Pupils are keen to learn new things and want to do well. Pupils are courteous and kind. They behave well in lessons and around school. Low-level disruption is not common. If it does happen, teachers address it well. Staff help the small number of pupils who do sometimes struggle to manage their behaviour to improve it. Pupils know what bullying is. They say it does not happen often. If it does, they know who to turn to, and they say it will get sorted out. Pupils say they feel safe in school. They attend school well. Pupils take seriously their responsibilities, such as being school council members. They are proud of the contributions they make to school life, such as organising new toy boxes for each class on the playground. They raise money for charities, for example to support earthquake victims. Older pupils take pride in supporting younger pupils as playground 'buddies'.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not identified the essential knowledge they want pupils to know and remember. This makes it harder for pupils to build on their previous learning. Leaders should complete their work swiftly to identify the key components pupils must know in the remaining foundation curriculums.
• Leaders have not made it clear to parents and staff why, or how, the school's approach to behaviour is changing. As a result, some parents and staff worry that the new approach is inconsistent. Leaders need to communicate clearly to staff and parents how the new policy will be implemented in practice.

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