St Anne's C of E Primary School, located in School Lane, Baslow, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1RZ, is a Church of England institution that has been recognized for its commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment. The recent inspection highlighted the school's strengths in various areas, including pupil behavior, personal development, and the quality of education.
Pupils at St Anne's are notably happy and engaged in their learning. They express a strong affinity for their teachers, describing them as fun and caring. The school fosters a sense of community, where playtime is enjoyable and friendships flourish. Leaders maintain high expectations for all students, striving to ensure that every child experiences life in all its fullness through the school's core values of respect, kindness, and diversity.
The behavior of pupils is exemplary, characterized by mutual respect for staff and peers. The school community prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere, celebrating diversity, and promoting teamwork through initiatives like earning house points for exceptional work and attitudes. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, leaders respond swiftly to resolve issues.
Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, often describing it as warm and friendly. One parent noted, This is a fantastic rural school with some fantastic opportunities for the pupils.
Strengths of the school include the quality of education, where the curriculum is designed to provide pupils with a deep understanding of the subjects they study. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly. The early years provision is also commendable, with children making a good start to their education in a stimulating and welcoming environment. Support for SEND pupils is a priority, with leaders being ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Personal development is emphasized at St Anne's, with the school highlighting the importance of contributing positively to the school and local community. Pupils engage in activities that promote social responsibility, such as visiting a local center for older people. Additionally, pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs like judo, STEM, and choir, allowing them to explore and develop their interests and talents.
Areas for improvement at the school include ensuring that all children in the early years have access to reading materials that match their phonics knowledge to support their development as fluent readers. There is also a need for a consistent approach to assessment in foundation subjects, with leaders needing to develop strategies to regularly check how well pupils are learning the curriculum in these areas.
Safeguarding is a priority at St Anne's, with effective arrangements in place. Staff are well-informed about potential risks and proactive in reporting concerns. Pupils are educated about online safety and know where to seek help if needed.
In conclusion, St Anne's C of E Primary School is a thriving educational institution that successfully combines academic rigor with a strong emphasis on personal development and community values. With continued focus on improving early reading resources and assessment practices, the school is well-positioned to enhance its already commendable educational offerings.
School Details:
- Unique Reference Number: 112800
- Local Authority: Derbyshire
- Type of School: Primary
- Age Range of Pupils: 4 to 11
- Number of Pupils on Roll: 126
- Website: St Anne's C of E Primary School
- Headteacher: Marie Clark
- Chair of Governing Body: Natalie Anwyl
This report reflects the findings of the inspection team and provides a comprehensive overview of the school's performance and areas for growth.
