Petersfield CofE Aided Primary School, located in Orwell, Royston, Hertfordshire, has undergone an inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place from February 4 to February 5, 2020, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it 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.
Pupils and staff embody the school’s motto of together everyone achieves more, creating a positive atmosphere where students enjoy their experiences and take pride in their achievements. The school fosters a culture of respect among pupils and staff, leading to a harmonious environment where bullying is rare. Pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by teachers. The early years provision is particularly effective, allowing children to adjust quickly to new routines and providing a solid foundation for their education.
The school has effectively addressed previous areas for improvement, with significant training provided to teachers and teaching assistants to enhance their teaching methods and curriculum planning. Subject leaders play a crucial role in monitoring standards and supporting staff, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality education. The curriculum is generally well-structured, with a clear sequence of learning that helps deepen pupils’ understanding. However, some aspects of the curriculum require further planning to ensure consistency across all subjects.
In the early years, there is a clear understanding of what children need to learn, and staff are trained to deliver phonics instruction uniformly, which aids in developing pupils' reading skills. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the same high-quality education as their peers. Extracurricular activities and educational trips enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with valuable experiences that broaden their horizons and aspirations.
The school promotes understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds and faiths through its religious education and personal, social, and health education programs. Pupils are introduced to fundamental British values from an early age, fostering a sense of democracy and community involvement. Leaders maintain strong relationships with families, providing guidance and support to help improve attendance and overall well-being.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges regarding attendance, which remains below the national average. Leaders are encouraged to continue their efforts to improve attendance rates by further engaging with parents. Additionally, while most curriculum plans are effective, some do not clearly demonstrate how different learning aspects build on one another, which can hinder pupils' understanding of certain topics.
Governors are attentive to the needs of both staff and pupils, ensuring that teachers' workloads are manageable. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, and the school benefits from collaboration with local schools and the local authority. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address any concerns regarding pupils' welfare.
Overall, Petersfield CofE Aided Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils. The school has made commendable progress since its last inspection, and with continued focus on attendance and curriculum planning, it is well-positioned to further enhance its effectiveness.
