St Swithun’s Church of England VC Primary School, located in Sandy, Bedfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 7 and 8, 2022. The school fosters a happy and inclusive environment where pupils feel well cared for. Students describe their school as amazing and friendly, and they work diligently while getting along well with one another. This positive atmosphere aligns with the school’s vision of building foundations for the future. Pupils express enthusiasm for their learning and strive to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. One pupil aptly noted the importance of hard work in retaining knowledge.
The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, well-mannered, and adhere to school routines. They demonstrate an understanding of appropriate conduct and assert that bullying is infrequent. Concerns can be communicated through ‘worry monsters’ placed in each classroom, and pupils trust that adults will address any issues promptly. The school’s values, such as trust and thankfulness, are regularly reflected upon during weekly assemblies, fostering a sense of community among students.
Parents and carers have expressed positive sentiments about the school, particularly praising the nurturing relationships between staff and students. Leaders have developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that outlines essential knowledge for pupils from early years through to Year 6. The curriculum is structured thoughtfully, allowing pupils to build new knowledge upon their prior learning. However, some subjects have newer plans that teachers do not fully understand, leading to gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
Subject leaders actively monitor the effectiveness of their areas, using their expertise to enhance the curriculum. While some leaders are new to their roles and require more opportunities to evaluate their subjects thoroughly, teachers effectively utilize their subject knowledge to assess pupils’ understanding and encourage critical thinking. In mathematics, for instance, pupils apply their knowledge of shapes to understand their properties.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with phonics introduced early in the curriculum. Children quickly develop reading fluency, with books matched to the phonics they are learning. Staff are vigilant in identifying gaps in pupils’ phonics knowledge and provide additional support to help them catch up.
Leaders are attentive to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Personalized learning plans are in place, and teachers adapt lessons to ensure these pupils can learn effectively. The school offers various experiences to promote character development, encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. They engage in extracurricular activities that foster their interests and understanding of healthy relationships.
The school is well-managed, with leaders fostering a collaborative team approach. Staff report feeling supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Regular training ensures that staff are equipped to identify and report concerns, and leaders act swiftly to provide necessary support for vulnerable pupils.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. Some curriculum plans are still in early stages, and leaders must ensure consistent implementation across all subjects to close knowledge gaps. Subject leaders need to evaluate the impact of their curriculum plans more effectively to enhance pupil learning. Overall, St Swithun’s Church of England VC Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
