William Cassidi Church of England Aided Primary School in Stillington, Stockton-on-Tees, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe, embodying Christian values of love, care, and respect. Students enjoy their time at school, supporting one another and knowing they can approach staff with any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly, with staff providing necessary support to help pupils make positive behavioral choices.
The school sets high expectations for behavior and learning, which pupils respond to positively, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The classrooms maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere, and pupils are motivated by reward systems like earning Cassidi coins. They express enthusiasm for learning new topics and demonstrate knowledge about their studies. Reading is prioritized, with adults dedicating time to read to pupils, and a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities are available, including mindfulness and football, which help students manage anxiety.
Leadership at the school is strong, with the headteacher and governors having a clear vision for improvement. They regularly evaluate the curriculum, making adjustments as needed. For instance, they recognized that the mathematics program required more frequent revisiting of previous learning and introduced a supplementary program to enhance pupils' understanding of core number facts. This proactive approach is helping students gain confidence in problem-solving and reasoning.
The curriculum is designed to support pupils in achieving well and developing essential life skills, particularly in response to challenges posed by the pandemic. Across subjects, including early years, the curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge. Reading instruction begins in Nursery, with a consistent phonics program that is effectively implemented, ensuring pupils become confident readers. Regular assessments help identify those at risk of falling behind, allowing for timely interventions.
Art and design education is also a strength, with pupils producing high-quality work from early years through Year 6. However, there is ongoing work to map out end goals and subject-specific vocabulary, which has led to some older pupils lacking confidence in discussing their work. Assessment practices are in place to inform teaching, but there are areas for improvement in providing detailed insights into pupils' knowledge retention in subjects beyond reading.
Pupils with special educational needs are fully included in all aspects of school life, with staff quickly adapting resources and the curriculum to meet their needs. This inclusive approach helps these pupils integrate well and access learning opportunities. Staff report high job satisfaction and feel supported by leadership, although the pandemic has posed challenges in providing professional development opportunities.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of care. Staff are well-trained to identify concerns and take appropriate actions, ensuring the safety of pupils. Leaders maintain thorough records and ensure proper recruitment checks are conducted for all staff.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to continue refining curriculum planning to ensure that pupils build their vocabulary year on year and enhance assessment systems to provide more detailed insights into pupils' knowledge. Overall, William Cassidi Church of England Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
