Duddon St Peter’s CofE Primary School in Tarporley, Cheshire, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of the quality of education, leadership, and management also needing enhancement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school community, highlighting the warm and caring relationships they share with peers and staff. They feel safe and supported, with a culture of looking out for one another. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they demonstrate respect and consideration for others, and instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly by staff. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being buddies for younger students or participating in the school council and eco-committee.
Despite the positive environment, not all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, are achieving their full potential. The curriculum is well-designed in some subjects, such as science and mathematics, where teachers have clear guidance on what to teach. However, inconsistencies exist in other subjects, which limits pupils' overall learning and retention of knowledge. Leaders are ambitious for pupils' learning but need to ensure that the curriculum aligns with the school’s mission to help every child reach their best.
The school has made strides in improving its early reading curriculum, with a new phonics program introduced that prioritizes reading. Teachers effectively support pupils in developing their reading skills, ensuring that they engage with texts that match their phonetic knowledge. Most pupils enjoy reading and benefit from regular practice and skilled support.
However, there are areas for improvement. Leaders have not clearly defined the knowledge that pupils should acquire across all subjects, leading to gaps in learning. Teachers lack the necessary training and support to teach all subjects confidently, which affects their ability to assess pupils' understanding accurately. This lack of clarity can result in misconceptions going unaddressed, hindering pupils' progress.
The school has established a strong safeguarding culture, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils receive education on staying safe and understanding healthy relationships, contributing to their overall well-being.
Leaders prioritize personal development, teaching pupils about respect and the importance of citizenship. Pupils engage in various activities that promote their interests and talents, including clubs and community initiatives. The school community is cohesive, with positive feedback from parents and staff regarding the supportive environment.
Governors play an active role in holding leaders accountable for the school's effectiveness and are committed to building on recent improvements. The school has a strong foundation, but to achieve excellence, it must address the identified areas for improvement in curriculum design, teacher training, and assessment strategies. By doing so, Duddon St Peter’s can ensure that all pupils receive the quality education they deserve and can thrive in their learning journey.
