Stivichall Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 13 and 14 October 2021. The school is committed to providing a well-rounded education in a secure and friendly environment, with a clear vision shared by the entire school community. This vision is encapsulated in the school's pledge to offer 100 varied learning experiences for each pupil. The school has established strong links with external organizations, enhancing the educational experience for students, particularly through initiatives like the National Gallery's Take One Picture project. During the recent lockdowns, school leaders effectively collaborated with parents and carers to minimize learning loss while ensuring the safety of pupils.
Students at Stivichall Primary School, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, demonstrate enthusiasm, politeness, and articulate communication. They take pride in their school and appreciate the support and challenges provided by the staff. Opportunities for leadership development are available, such as participation in the Eco Team and sports leadership roles. Parents express strong support for the school, highlighting the positive environment and effective management of any issues, including bullying. The school maintains high standards of behavior, with clear expectations that foster a desire to learn among pupils, resulting in high attendance rates.
The school's curriculum is impressive, extending beyond the national curriculum. Pupils begin learning modern foreign languages in key stage 1, with Year 6 students even learning Japanese. Subject leaders have structured the curriculum to build on prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where early years teachers introduce various representations of numbers. A consistent approach to calculations is evident throughout the school.
Stivichall Primary School emphasizes a character curriculum that focuses on moral, social, and personal education, preparing students for future challenges. Leaders demonstrate creativity and ambition in integrating academic subjects with character development. For instance, allowing pupils to choose tasks in mathematics fosters a sense of responsibility, while art education enhances creativity and confidence.
The school has a solid understanding of how children learn to read, starting with phonics in the Reception class. A structured program ensures that children learn letters and sounds effectively. The school encourages reading at home, providing books that match pupils' phonics abilities. Staff are proactive in identifying and addressing any reading difficulties, although there is room for improvement in consistently addressing misconceptions in phonics teaching.
Stivichall Primary School offers a broad curriculum enriched by extracurricular activities, including music, drama, sports, and gardening clubs, with over half of the pupils participating in at least one activity this term. The school ensures that disadvantaged pupils also have equal access to these opportunities.
Leaders foster a collaborative culture among staff, providing support and reducing workload, particularly during the pandemic. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and address risks to pupils. The school maintains thorough records and engages with external agencies when necessary, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported.
While the school has established a strong curriculum intent, there are some inconsistencies in its delivery. Leaders are encouraged to continue evaluating subject planning to enhance consistency. Additionally, improvements in the identification of pupils' misconceptions in phonics teaching are necessary to ensure the new program is effectively implemented in classrooms. Overall, Stivichall Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
