Uley Church of England Primary School in Gloucestershire has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 11 and 12, 2023. The school embodies the values of live, learn, and flourish, which are integral to its daily operations and understood by all members of the school community. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering an environment where staff encourage students to strive for their best.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They have a clear understanding of the school rules and the expectations set by staff, demonstrating respect for one another and for the staff. The school promotes a sense of community through various initiatives, such as the ‘big buddy/little buddy’ partnerships, which enhance relationships between older and younger pupils, particularly in shared reading activities.
The leadership team has made significant strides in improving the school’s curriculum since the last inspection. They have prioritized early reading and curriculum development, ensuring that pupils benefit from an ambitious educational framework. A new reading program has been implemented, providing consistency in teaching methods and allowing staff to effectively assess and support children's learning from the outset. This approach has resulted in pupils becoming fluent readers early in their educational journey.
Curriculum planning is thorough, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn and when. Teachers present information effectively and possess the necessary subject knowledge to facilitate learning. They engage pupils through effective questioning and encourage the use of newly acquired vocabulary. For instance, in early years, children demonstrate their understanding of concepts such as capacity through hands-on activities, showcasing their ability to apply learned vocabulary in context.
While assessment practices are strong in many subjects, some foundation subjects are still developing their assessment systems due to the recent curriculum changes. This has led to some gaps in understanding not being identified, which can affect long-term retention of knowledge for certain pupils. Nevertheless, pupils display enthusiasm for learning, with a calm atmosphere conducive to focus and engagement.
Leaders have established systems to identify pupils requiring additional support, ensuring that expectations for those with special educational needs are aligned with those for all learners. Although there is a need for clearer oversight regarding the impact of support strategies for these pupils, they continue to achieve well within the same curriculum framework as their peers.
The school effectively promotes personal development, providing a comprehensive program that covers relationships, health, and safety. Pupils understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle and demonstrate a strong sense of equality and fairness in their interactions.
Staff express appreciation for the leadership's efforts to manage their workload and recognize the positive impact of professional development on pupil outcomes. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with regular training ensuring that staff are vigilant and responsive to potential risks faced by pupils. The school’s curriculum also includes essential safety education, equipping pupils with the knowledge to seek help when needed.
To further enhance the school’s effectiveness, leaders must fully embed assessment systems across all subjects to gain a comprehensive understanding of pupils’ learning. Additionally, monitoring the implementation of support for pupils with special educational needs should be strengthened to ensure that all strategies are effective and impactful. Overall, Uley Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
