Stoney Middleton CofE Primary School, located in Derbyshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school provides a highly personalized learning experience in a small setting, allowing pupils to thrive academically and socially. The school operates within The Woodland Federation of Peak District Schools, which facilitates collaboration among three schools, particularly during designated 'together days' where students engage with a broader community of peers and staff.
The nurturing and inclusive culture at Stoney Middleton fosters a sense of safety and belonging among pupils. They express appreciation for the caring nature of the staff, who are attuned to their individual needs. The school promotes kindness and respect among students, with older pupils often assisting younger ones. The implementation of the 'SMILERS' values helps students understand the importance of individuality and acceptance of differences.
A significant number of pupils at Stoney Middleton have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school maintains high expectations for all students, ensuring that those with SEND receive tailored support to help them succeed. The staff collaborates closely with parents and caregivers to provide the necessary assistance, particularly for pupils who may receive part of their education outside the school environment.
The quality of education is commendable, particularly in the teaching of phonics, where staff effectively model fluent reading and address any gaps in knowledge promptly. Pupils are encouraged to read expressively and enjoy listening to stories read by their teachers. The curriculum is structured in a way that allows pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively across most subjects. However, there are a few foundation subjects where the curriculum sequence is less defined, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of essential knowledge.
While the school conducts regular checks on the curriculum's implementation, there is variability in the frequency and depth of these assessments across different subjects. This inconsistency can result in some pupils lacking a secure understanding of the material in certain areas. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, using visual aids and quizzes to reinforce learning and vocabulary development.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior, showing politeness and enthusiasm in their interactions. The school closely monitors attendance and intervenes early when issues arise, ensuring that all students, including those receiving education away from the school, attend regularly. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through a well-structured personal, social, and health education program. This includes regular forest school sessions and a variety of enriching trips and events that broaden pupils' understanding of their community and the world.
Despite the challenges of operating in a small school environment, staff feel well-supported in managing their workloads. Both staff and parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school's performance. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare prioritized.
To improve further, the school needs to refine its curriculum in certain foundation subjects to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly defined and taught effectively. Additionally, the school should enhance its monitoring processes to ensure consistent quality across all subjects, thereby securing a deeper understanding for all pupils. Overall, Stoney Middleton CofE Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
