Ely St John’s Community Primary School underwent a short inspection on 29 November 2018, which confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard since the last inspection in February 2015. The school environment is described as calm, caring, and creative, fostering positive relationships that support pupil progress. Classrooms are engaging and well-organized, with staff setting high expectations that encourage pupils to work enthusiastically and quickly. Teachers clearly communicate success criteria, helping pupils understand how to improve their work, which builds resilience and a positive attitude towards learning from mistakes.
Beyond academics, pupils have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and cultural events. Many students participate in musical ensembles, including a 38-piece orchestra, and engage in various projects such as gardening. These activities promote personal development and a sense of community. The school has made significant strides in behavior management, with a focus on positive conduct and support for those struggling with behavior issues. This has resulted in fewer serious incidents and a high attendance rate.
Parents express satisfaction with the support provided by staff, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is recognized for its warm and inclusive atmosphere, which contributes to pupils' overall well-being. Feedback from pupils indicates that they feel supported in their learning and appreciate the quality of teaching. Most pupils make good progress and achieve well across various assessments, including phonics screening and national tests.
The leadership team, along with governors, is committed to continuous improvement, rigorously monitoring the quality of education. Recent changes in the science curriculum have enhanced pupils' skills in hypothesis testing and drawing conclusions. In mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on developing reasoning skills and applying knowledge to real-world problems. Governors actively support the school and hold leaders accountable, ensuring that standards remain high.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture of responsibility for pupil welfare established among staff. Regular training ensures that all staff are aware of potential risks and know how to respond appropriately. Pupils report feeling safe and confident that any issues, including bullying, are addressed promptly.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including the progress of key stage two pupils in writing, the challenge provided to the most able pupils in early years, and the progress of disadvantaged pupils. Improvements in writing have been noted, with clear targets set for pupils and ongoing feedback provided. The school is also working to ensure that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, receive high-quality teaching and support to help them progress from their starting points. Overall, the school is making strides in providing a well-rounded education, although there are areas identified for further development, particularly in ensuring that all pupils are challenged appropriately across the curriculum.
