Stratton Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

The school is a welcoming, nurturing and happy place. Leaders' vision of 'Unlocking potential for lifelong learning, grounded in Christian values' is threaded through much of the school's work. Pupils follow a rich and broad curriculum, with exciting opportunities to enhance their learning. For example, pupils go to a local wildlife park and take part in residential trips. Pupils develop their talents, such as when they perform in school productions. Children in Reception enjoy learning. However, provision in the early years is not yet good. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils are a credit to the school. They enjoy school and behave well. Pupils are respectful and polite. They persevere when learning gets difficult because they want to do well. Pupils are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility, such as when they become librarians or members of the school council. Staff are caring and supportive. They form positive relationships with pupils. Pupils trust adults to look after them. They confirm that bullying and name-calling are not tolerated. Pupils are confident that adults swiftly resolve any problems that arise. Parents typically comment that staff 'go above and beyond' expectations to help their children thrive.

What the school should improve

• In the early years, leaders have not ensured that the curriculum meets the requirements of the early years foundation stage. The curriculum is not ambitious or well-planned across all areas of learning. As a result, children are not well supported to build the range of knowledge and skills that they need for Year 1 and beyond. Leaders must support staff to plan and implement an ambitious early years curriculum, so that children develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need for their future learning.
• Children in the early years do not consistently follow expected routines. This leads to low-level disruption, which hinders children's learning. Leaders must ensure that children develop positive attitudes to learning and behave well.
• In some subjects, leaders do not have an accurate overview of whether pupils have learned the key curriculum content successfully. This means that they are not able to use this insight to adapt the curriculum accordingly. Leaders must refine the use of assessment so that they can assure themselves that pupils are learning the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they intend them to.

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