St John’s CofE Primary School in Dukinfield has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 21 and 22, 2022. The school is well-regarded by both pupils and staff, who take pride in being part of the community. Strong partnerships among staff, pupils, parents, and carers contribute to a supportive environment, particularly evident in initiatives like the reading partnership that fosters a love for reading among students. Pupils express that they feel safe and happy at school, learning essential safety skills for various situations, including water, road safety, and online interactions.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, allowing students to focus on their work without significant disruptions. Incidents of bullying, racism, and homophobia are rare, and pupils are confident that staff will address any issues promptly. Teachers have set high standards for learning, and pupils generally achieve well, taking on various responsibilities that help develop their personal qualities, such as empathy. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music and sports, which enrich pupils' experiences and broaden their understanding of the world.
The curriculum at St John’s is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully considered what pupils should learn and the sequence of content delivery. The curriculum is particularly effective for mixed-age classes and supports younger children in gaining the necessary knowledge for their subsequent years. However, some areas of the curriculum require further development, as the content in a few subjects does not align fully with the national curriculum's ambitions.
Most subjects are led effectively, with staff collaborating to share knowledge and expertise. Teachers utilize assessment information to adapt their teaching to meet pupils' needs, although there are instances where pupils struggle to retain previously learned concepts. This gap in retention can hinder their ability to apply knowledge to new topics. While pupils read widely and express enthusiasm for their favorite books, some struggle to recall specific authors or genres, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
The school fosters a positive and caring culture, with older pupils supporting younger ones. During break times, pupils display politeness and good manners, contributing to a conducive learning environment. Staff are adept at identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that their expectations align with those for all pupils. Adjustments are made to facilitate the inclusion of all students in classroom activities.
Leaders are working to reinstate trips and fieldwork that were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pupils engage in community support through fundraising events. The school promotes an understanding of British values and diversity, helping pupils develop a sense of right and wrong. Governors maintain an accurate overview of the school and provide appropriate support and challenge to leaders, although some issues on the school’s website and policies have been overlooked.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John’s are effective, with leaders vigilant in identifying potential risks to pupils. Staff receive thorough training to ensure their knowledge remains current, and governors respond swiftly to any safeguarding concerns. Overall, while St John’s CofE Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' phonics knowledge and enhancing the retention of key concepts across subjects.
