St Lawrence Church of England Primary School, located in Wymington, Northamptonshire, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good, reflecting the positive changes implemented by the school leadership.
The school environment is described as happy and friendly, with pupils expressing pride in their school and feeling safe. The behavior of students is calm and considerate, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils engage enthusiastically in their lessons, particularly enjoying subjects like science and outdoor learning. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils reporting that incidents are rare and dealt with promptly by teachers.
The curriculum at St Lawrence is well-planned, with leaders identifying key skills and knowledge for each year group. In subjects like mathematics, the curriculum is sequenced effectively to build reasoning skills necessary for future learning. However, some areas, such as art and design technology, require further development. Teachers are proactive in helping pupils recap previous learning, which aids retention. Despite this, assessment practices in some subjects do not focus closely enough on what pupils know and remember, which can hinder the effectiveness of teaching.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a well-structured phonics program in place. Children begin learning phonics in Reception Year, and those needing additional support receive it promptly. Most staff teach reading effectively, although a small number lack confidence in the new phonics program, which can slow down the reading progress of some pupils.
In the early years, children benefit from high expectations and quickly settle into routines. They enjoy sharing activities and are well-prepared for the transition to key stage one. The school provides strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Skilled adults offer additional help, and leaders collaborate with external specialists to support these pupils effectively.
The personal development of pupils is well-supported through a curriculum that fosters cultural understanding and respect for diversity. Pupils learn about current affairs and celebrate various cultural events, which helps them develop a strong sense of fairness and respect. The governing body is ambitious for the school’s continuous improvement, providing valuable support and challenge to leaders while effectively monitoring safeguarding practices.
Leaders prioritize staff well-being by ensuring reasonable workloads, which contributes to a positive working environment. The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and maintaining well-organized records. Pupils are taught to seek help if they have concerns and learn how to stay safe online and in their communities.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance its assessment practices to focus more sharply on what pupils know and remember. Additionally, training for staff on the phonics program should be prioritized to ensure all teachers are confident in delivering effective reading instruction. Overall, St Lawrence Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
