St Giles-on-the-Heath Community School is a small and supportive primary school located in Launceston, Cornwall. The recent inspection conducted on January 10 and 11, 2023, rated the school as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in January 2017.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of community, where staff and parents feel that leaders go above and beyond for each pupil. Staff members know the pupils as individuals and are committed to ensuring that all students achieve their potential. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, adhering to the school’s values of respect, kindness, resilience, honesty, trust, and cooperation. High expectations for behaviour are set by staff, and pupils consistently meet these expectations. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by school leaders.
The quality of education provided is engaging and tailored to meet the needs of the pupils. Staff utilize their understanding of individual pupil needs to create effective learning experiences. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including dance, construction, and cookery clubs, as well as educational trips, such as visits to The Eden Project. Older pupils take on responsibilities, such as being reading buddies for younger students, fostering a sense of pride and community involvement.
School leaders have ambitious goals for their pupils and have outlined the essential knowledge they want students to acquire in most subjects. For instance, in mathematics, pupils are encouraged to solve problems using previously learned concepts. However, there are a few subjects where the planning of crucial knowledge is not as robust, leading to some pupils not retaining as much information over time or making connections with prior learning.
Reading is a priority at St Giles-on-the-Heath, with a consistent approach to phonics instruction. Children begin their phonics education in the foundation stage and continue to develop their reading skills in Reception Year. Staff effectively assess pupils' progress and provide support to those at risk of falling behind, ensuring that most pupils read fluently and accurately. The school’s commitment to reading is reflected in the enthusiasm pupils express for books.
In the early years, children are encouraged to learn through stories and are expected to follow routines, which helps them develop independence. The school effectively meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by gathering information from parents and specialists to adapt classroom learning.
Leaders also focus on the emotional well-being and physical health of pupils, providing social and emotional support for students and their families. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum helps pupils understand relationships and the importance of respect and equality. However, there is room for improvement in helping pupils fully grasp life in modern Britain.
While the school encourages regular attendance, some pupils do not attend as frequently as needed, which can hinder their learning. Governors have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing support and challenge to school leaders. Staff feel supported in their roles, with leaders considering their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. All staff receive regular training and understand their responsibilities in ensuring pupil welfare. Pupils feel safe and know they can approach adults with any concerns. Overall, St Giles-on-the-Heath Community School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
