Stanway Primary School, located in Colchester, Essex, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 9 and 10, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, fostering a sense of community and respect among students. The school motto, Be the best that you can be, resonates well with the pupils, who actively engage in supporting one another and their local community through initiatives such as food bank donations. Instances of bullying are rare, and any issues that arise are promptly addressed by the staff, ensuring a supportive atmosphere.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and appreciate the recognition they receive for their positive actions. Disruptions during lessons are infrequent, and most students are quick to correct their behavior when necessary. The early years provision is effective, with children settling in quickly and enjoying their learning experiences. The school enriches the curriculum with visits from theatre groups and authors, which helps to deepen pupils' understanding and enthusiasm for learning.
The school has designed an effective curriculum that allows pupils to revisit important knowledge and skills. The curriculum begins in Reception and is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge is taught in a logical order. Teachers are adept at identifying when pupils are struggling and provide the necessary support to help them catch up. However, the assessment systems in subjects other than English and mathematics are not fully developed, which limits leaders' ability to gauge how well pupils retain important information over time.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively explain concepts, helping pupils build their understanding gradually. For instance, by the end of Year 6, students are capable of designing their own science experiments. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a diverse selection of books available to students. The introduction of a new phonics scheme in Reception has been beneficial, ensuring that children develop their reading skills early on.
The personal development program is well-structured, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. Opportunities for taking on responsibilities, such as being school councillors or reading ambassadors, are embraced by students, contributing to their character development. The school maintains a calm and purposeful environment, supported by a fair approach to behavior management and the use of a nurture room for additional support.
Leadership at Stanway Primary School is effective, with leaders expecting high standards from both staff and pupils. Training opportunities are provided to support staff in their roles, although leaders of foundation subjects sometimes lack the time needed to monitor their subjects effectively. Governors work closely with school leaders to ensure staff well-being is prioritized, and both parents and staff express positive views about the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to identify and report any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders ensure that all necessary checks are conducted for new staff, maintaining a safe environment for children. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the assessment practices for subjects beyond English and mathematics, as well as in the monitoring of the curriculum in these areas. By addressing these aspects, Stanway Primary School can continue to enhance its educational offerings and support for all pupils.
