St John’s Church of England Primary School in Southport, Merseyside, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 11 and 12, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils, parents, and carers are greeted warmly by staff, contributing to a sense of belonging within the school community. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupils and have made significant improvements to the curriculum, ensuring that students know and remember more of what they learn. The school’s values are evident in the respectful behavior of pupils towards each other and adults, as well as their attentiveness in lessons.
Pupils enjoy their playtimes, engaging in various activities that promote physical and mental well-being. They take pride in helping others, particularly those involved in the ‘Joy’ team, which aims to create a joyful learning environment. The school prioritizes the emotional well-being of its pupils, providing high-quality support for those in need. While instances of bullying are reported to occur occasionally, staff effectively address these issues, ensuring they are not repeated.
The curriculum has undergone positive changes, with leaders developing a well-structured program that enhances pupils’ vocabulary and broadens their experiences. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and ambitious, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. In some subjects, the curriculum is well-established, and teachers ensure that pupils retain essential knowledge before progressing to new material. This approach has led to strong academic achievement in these areas.
However, in other subjects, recent improvements have not yet fully translated into secure knowledge for all pupils. While students are beginning to remember key vocabulary, some struggle with recalling previous learning. The early years curriculum effectively builds foundational knowledge, with teachers fostering children’s interests and enriching their vocabulary. Staff are trained to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, allowing for uninterrupted learning.
Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils learn to read proficiently. The COVID-19 pandemic has created gaps in phonics knowledge for some pupils, particularly in the early years and Year 1. Leaders have implemented a new phonics curriculum and provided training for staff to address these gaps. Pupils read books that align with their phonics learning, and additional support is available for those who fall behind. However, the delivery of the phonics curriculum is inconsistent among staff, which can hinder some pupils' progress.
The school emphasizes the importance of pupils’ wider development, encouraging them to engage in charity work and learn about different faiths and cultures. This prepares them to be responsible citizens. The leadership team, including governors, is strong and supportive, fostering a positive working environment for staff, who feel valued and proud to be part of the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John’s are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils receive education on personal safety, including online safety, to help them navigate potential risks in their community.
To improve further, leaders need to ensure that the recently revised curriculum plans are fully implemented across all subjects, providing a consistently high-quality education. Additionally, staff should receive the necessary support to deliver the reading curriculum effectively, ensuring that all pupils build secure phonics knowledge. Overall, St John’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on the well-being and development of its pupils.
