Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Shaw-cum-Donnington C.E. Primary School on June 4, 2024, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection, rather than to provide an overall effectiveness grade. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, staff, governors, local authority representatives, and the Diocese, as well as classroom visits and document reviews.
The inspection found that the school has made progress under the leadership of the new headteacher, Ms. Lindsay Wakefield. Since her appointment, there has been a significant acceleration in efforts to improve the school. The leadership team has identified necessary actions to address previous inspection findings and has worked diligently to ensure that all staff understand the rationale behind these changes. A collaborative culture has developed within the school, with staff united in their commitment to improvement.
A key area of focus has been the enhancement of safeguarding arrangements. The school has established a robust culture of vigilance, ensuring that all adults working with children are thoroughly vetted. A new system for recording safeguarding information has been implemented, allowing staff to report concerns effectively. Training has been provided to ensure that all staff are knowledgeable about their safeguarding responsibilities, contributing to a secure environment for pupils.
The headteacher has also prioritized improving assessment practices to better understand pupil progress. A new approach is being introduced, supported by appropriate training for staff. While there is a shared understanding of effective teaching strategies, inconsistencies remain in their implementation. The school recognizes the need for time to embed these improvements, which are expected to enhance pupil learning across the curriculum.
Phonics instruction has been a focus area, with the school continuing to refine its approach. Weak readers are identified promptly and receive targeted support to help them catch up. Pupils are now reading books that align with their phonics knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. However, some inconsistencies in the implementation of the phonics program have been noted, and additional high-quality training is scheduled for the upcoming academic year to address this.
The school has established high expectations for all pupils, fostering a culture of ambition and collaboration among staff and governors. The leadership has been mindful of staff workload, introducing changes gradually to allow for effective practice development. This approach has already shown positive impacts on pupil support and learning.
Support from various external sources has been beneficial, providing access to relevant training and assistance in quality assurance of improvement efforts. Governors have actively engaged with external advisers to enhance their ability to hold the school accountable.
In summary, while Shaw-cum-Donnington C.E. Primary School has made notable progress since the previous inspection, further work is required to achieve a good rating. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and the school community is working collaboratively towards shared goals. The foundation for future success is being established through focused efforts in safeguarding, teaching practices, and staff development. The school is on a positive trajectory, with the potential for significant advancements in the quality of education provided to its pupils.
