St Nicholas’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Rawreth has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 November 2019. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff actively involve students in the school's operations, fostering a sense of responsibility, integrity, and respect among them. The school council collaborates with leaders to promote these values, and pupils demonstrate kindness and support for one another. Their positive attitudes towards learning reflect their pride in the school.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with many expressing that they feel secure and cared for by the staff. They are educated about various forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, and are taught how to recognize and address such issues. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, which is supported by both staff and students. Feedback from parents and carers is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the high standards and pastoral support provided.
The leadership team and governors maintain high expectations for both staff and pupils, ensuring continuous improvement within the school. Staff members feel valued and are dedicated to helping pupils achieve academically and personally. The curriculum is well-planned, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. For instance, in history, a structured learning program enables pupils to grasp key events and figures effectively. However, there are instances where teachers do not sufficiently verify pupils' understanding before progressing, which can hinder full comprehension of the material.
In mathematics, pupils generally develop a solid understanding of concepts, supported by appropriate resources. While teachers assess learning effectively, there are occasions when they do not utilize this information to provide suitably challenging tasks, resulting in some pupils not reaching their full potential. Reading is a strong focus at the school, with phonics instruction beginning in the early years. Staff are well-trained, and pupils typically become fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1. However, some advanced readers lack access to higher-level texts, limiting their reading development.
The school prioritizes the personal development of pupils, offering relevant activities that teach essential life skills. Opportunities for responsibility, such as being eco warriors, are available, and pupils learn about various cultures and religions, promoting tolerance and respect. The leadership of early years education is robust, with skilled staff ensuring children settle well and engage in learning through play.
Governance has improved since the last inspection, with governors receiving training to enhance their skills. They provide a balanced mix of challenge and support to the executive headteacher while being mindful of staff workload. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must ensure that assessment practices allow for thorough checks of pupils' understanding before introducing new content. Additionally, it is essential to provide appropriately challenging work for high-achieving pupils to help them reach their full potential. Overall, St Nicholas’ Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
