Tipton St John Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 5, 2022. The school demonstrates high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are dedicated to nurturing students and helping them achieve the school’s vision of being the best they can be. As a result, pupils exhibit kindness, politeness, and respect, expressing enthusiasm for their learning and feeling safe within the school environment. While pupils understand the concept of bullying and acknowledge that it can occur, they trust the adults in the school to address any issues, with older students reporting that bullying is rare.
The school provides enriching opportunities to enhance the curriculum, such as visits from authors and participation in local sporting events. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, including roles as sports leaders and members of the ethos team. However, there is a desire among pupils, parents, and carers for the reinstatement of extra-curricular activities that were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the early years foundation stage, children are taught routines that foster independence, and staff effectively support the development of language and communication skills. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling children to develop early reading, writing, and mathematics skills, preparing them for key stage one. Reading is prioritized across the school, with staff receiving regular training to support pupils in becoming fluent readers. Pupils express a passion for reading and frequently engage with books that match their phonics knowledge.
While the teaching of phonics is precise and effective, leaders have not structured the reading comprehension curriculum as effectively, particularly in key stage two. This has resulted in some pupils lacking knowledge in comprehension and inference. Leaders are aware of the need to improve the sequencing of the reading curriculum to ensure all pupils build on their existing knowledge.
The curriculum is designed to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Leaders have organized the curriculum to help pupils remember what they have learned, and staff regularly check pupils' understanding to provide appropriate support. However, there are inconsistencies in how well staff check understanding in some subjects, which can affect the confidence and success of some pupils.
The school maintains strong links with the local church, which supports pupils' wider development. Pupils appreciate opportunities to engage with the local community and learn about diverse lifestyles. The curriculum includes financial education, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. The school has established clear behavior expectations, and most pupils meet these standards, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons.
Governors actively support and challenge school leaders, and staff report positively on the support they receive. The school is recognized for its caring environment, with staff expressing a strong commitment to the well-being of pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety of pupils and ensuring staff are trained to identify and address safeguarding concerns.
To improve, leaders need to ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently and effectively across all subjects. This includes enhancing the quality of teaching and ensuring that the reading curriculum is well sequenced in key stage two. By addressing these areas, the school can continue to support pupils in achieving their full potential.
