Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School, located in Gloucestershire, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The school emphasizes the values of heart, hand, and mind, fostering an environment where pupils are kind, responsible, and eager to succeed. Staff maintain high expectations for student achievement, and pupils are encouraged to strive to meet these standards. The school is committed to inclusivity, exemplified by initiatives such as the annual pea scramble, where pupils work in house teams to collect dried peas, promoting teamwork and community spirit.
The school enjoys strong support from the parent community and has established meaningful connections with local nursing homes. Through its curriculum, pupils learn about dementia, engaging with residents by presenting poetry and nursery rhymes, which helps them develop respect for others and understand the importance of being dementia friends. Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School champions individual pupil development, offering a broad range of extracurricular activities, including French, gardening, and cooking clubs, as well as opportunities to interact with community professionals like firefighters and police officers.
The curriculum is well-structured, focusing on essential knowledge across various subjects, which aids pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, in building their understanding effectively. For instance, in art, pupils learn about different artistic styles and practice their skills, demonstrating strong knowledge in their work. However, in some wider curriculum subjects, the clarity of learning steps is less defined, which can hinder some pupils' ability to build on prior knowledge and retain what they have learned.
Reading instruction begins as soon as children start school, with staff trained in the school's reading program to provide timely support for those who need it. Children read books that align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering confidence in their reading abilities. The school promotes a love for reading through enjoyable activities, such as fireside story times with hot chocolate, creating a positive association with reading as a calming and enjoyable experience.
Teaching methods are designed to help pupils remember their learning, with effective questioning strategies employed to assess understanding. However, there are instances where assessment is not utilized to its full potential, leading to some pupils not learning the curriculum as effectively as possible. The school has established clear behavior expectations, which are well understood by pupils, and tailored behavior plans are in place for those requiring additional support. Attendance rates are above national averages, thanks to the leadership's innovative approaches to addressing attendance issues.
The personal development program is robust, integrating enrichment opportunities throughout the curriculum. Pupils participate in various activities, such as sculpture workshops and visits to historical sites, and engage with visitors from diverse backgrounds to learn about different beliefs and celebrations. The school also emphasizes mental well-being through initiatives that encourage pupils to connect with others.
Leadership at Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School fosters a culture of democracy, with the headteacher actively consulting parents and involving staff and pupils in the school development process. This collaborative approach generates a strong commitment from all stakeholders to provide a supportive educational environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve further, the school should clarify the essential knowledge in some wider curriculum subjects to enhance pupils' learning progression. Additionally, assessment practices should be refined to better inform teaching strategies, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their full potential. Overall, Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
