Stratton Primary School, located in Bude, Cornwall, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Staff members greet students with kindness, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Parents express satisfaction with the care their children receive, noting that students thrive in this nurturing atmosphere.
The school emphasizes the development of independence and resilience through carefully planned residential trips and local excursions that connect with the curriculum and celebrate Cornish heritage. Recent trips to RHS Garden Rosemoor, Truro Museum, and the beach for coastal safety education have been particularly well-received by students. Additionally, the school council provides pupils with a strong voice, and many take on leadership roles, promoting positive character traits through buddy systems that pair older students with younger ones.
Stratton Primary School offers a varied and ambitious curriculum, with subject leaders meticulously planning learning pathways from the early years to Year 6. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, and published outcomes at key stage 2 indicate that most pupils achieve well. The school has made strides in addressing previous challenges in writing at key stage 1, leading to improved progress and quality of work among current students. However, there is a need for ongoing assessments to better identify gaps in knowledge and understanding, as some misconceptions may persist without timely intervention.
The phonics program is effectively implemented from Reception Year, with staff receiving appropriate training to ensure consistent delivery. This has led to improvements in reading achievement, particularly for struggling pupils, supported by targeted interventions. The school encourages a love of reading through initiatives like the Stratton School Top Reads list and maintains a well-resourced library that invites students to explore literature.
In the early years, staff focus on developing children's language and communication skills through carefully planned vocabulary modeling. Children engage in activities that enhance their fine motor skills, contributing to their overall development. The school effectively supports an increasing number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with staff receiving regular training to meet specific needs and make necessary adjustments in the classroom.
Most pupils adhere to the school's behavior expectations of being ready, respectful, and safe, displaying enthusiasm for learning. While the majority of students follow routines well, a minority exhibit challenging behavior, which can disrupt learning. Staff employ a calm and restorative approach to manage these situations.
During playtimes, pupils have access to various zones for active play or quiet time with friends, promoting social skills and physical activity. The personal development curriculum is broad and engaging, teaching pupils about equality, online safety, and community awareness, particularly regarding beach and water safety due to the school's coastal location.
Leaders and governors prioritize regular school attendance, working closely with families to address barriers to attendance. Despite these efforts, attendance remains below the national average. Staff support the leadership team and engage in professional development opportunities, taking on additional responsibilities to enhance their skills.
The safeguarding arrangements at Stratton Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing teaching practices to better assess pupil understanding and addressing attendance issues to ensure all students receive the full benefits of their education.
