St James’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, has been rated as a good school following its inspection in July 2019. The executive headteacher's strong leadership has fostered a culture of improvement, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. The governors actively challenge and support the leadership team, contributing to the school's positive trajectory. Collaborative efforts within the federation of schools have led to effective professional development, raising expectations and improving pupil outcomes. Teachers employ effective questioning techniques that encourage pupils to think critically and deepen their understanding. The assessment systems in place successfully identify pupils needing additional support, ensuring they can catch up with their peers.
The introduction of a part-time speech and language therapist has significantly benefited early years pupils, helping them develop essential communication skills. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural awareness, preparing them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils exhibit good behavior, feel safe, and report that bullying is rare. They enjoy reading, largely due to the use of engaging texts, although there is a noted disparity in reading achievement between boys and girls. Additionally, some pupils in Year 1 did not meet the standard in the phonics screening check, which affects their ability to read unfamiliar words. While leaders effectively utilize extra funding to support disadvantaged pupils, mathematics outcomes remain below national averages.
Teaching quality is generally good, with leaders addressing previous weaknesses. The executive headteacher has ensured consistency in teaching across all year groups, including early years. Teachers engage pupils with relevant topics and high-quality texts, fostering a love for reading. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that phonics instruction is consistently effective and that all pupils have access to appropriately challenging reading materials. The mathematics curriculum is improving, but outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in key stage 2 need further attention.
Pupils' personal development and welfare are well supported, with a strong emphasis on building confidence and positive attitudes towards learning. The school promotes respect and tolerance, reflecting its Christian ethos. Pupils understand the importance of staying safe, both in school and online, and are aware of the dangers associated with drugs. The sports premium funding is effectively used to enhance pupils' well-being through increased access to physical activities.
Behaviour in the school is good, with pupils generally focused and engaged in their work. Attendance rates are in line with national averages, and incidents of poor behaviour have decreased over the year. The school has made significant strides since the previous inspection, with leaders and staff committed to continuous improvement. The early years provision is also rated as good, with staff effectively supporting children’s language and communication skills. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs and interests of the children, ensuring high levels of engagement. Parents express satisfaction with the early years provision and the support their children receive.
Overall, St James’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive environment for both pupils and staff. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, with clear strategies in place to address the areas identified for further development.
