St. Andrew's C of E Primary School recently underwent a monitoring inspection by Ofsted to assess the progress made since the last inspection. The inspection revealed that while the school has made substantial improvements, further work is needed to achieve a good rating.
Leaders at St. Andrew's have made significant changes to the curriculum, with a focus on outlining essential knowledge and skills for students. The curriculum is effectively sequenced to build on prior knowledge and promote cumulative understanding. The school has also provided appropriate training and support for teachers to implement these changes successfully.
A key focus at St. Andrew's is reading, with a high priority placed on ensuring students have ample opportunities to read and enjoy books. Early-stage readers receive daily phonics instruction, crucial for their literacy development. The governing board has engaged in training to provide focused support and challenge to school leaders, contributing to school improvement.
The school effectively collaborates with external partners, utilizing support and challenge from the local authority, diocese, and other schools. This collaboration ensures that action planning is suitable and the curriculum is delivered as intended.
Areas for further improvement include ensuring all essential knowledge and vocabulary are clearly articulated across all subjects. The school also needs to focus on embedding changes to the curriculum fully and addressing all areas for improvement identified in previous inspections comprehensively.
In conclusion, St. Andrew's C of E Primary School has made commendable progress in improving its educational offerings, particularly in curriculum design and implementation. Ongoing efforts are needed to define essential knowledge clearly and integrate changes fully into teaching practices. Support from the governing board and external partners will be crucial as the school continues its journey towards achieving a good rating in future inspections. The school community remains engaged and supportive of the changes being implemented, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students at St. Andrew's.