Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 22-23, 2019. The school is guided by a philosophy that emphasizes teamwork and community, encapsulated in the belief that collective effort leads to greater achievements. This ethos is reflected in the positive environment where parents, staff, and pupils feel secure and happy. Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and support, indicating that they can rely on adults for help with any concerns, including bullying, which is addressed effectively by school leaders.
The school fosters a culture of good behavior, with pupils demonstrating respect and courtesy in their interactions. They engage enthusiastically in their learning, particularly in mathematics, and show determination when facing challenges in reading. The school has implemented effective strategies to support early reading development, ensuring that children make a strong start in their literacy journey. Pupils in the early years are introduced to subject-specific vocabulary, which enhances their communication skills.
Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School utilizes its proximity to the River Severn to enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with unique learning experiences. Activities such as writing about visits to local museums and participating in workshops with the Royal Shakespeare Company help to bring learning to life. The school has made significant strides in improving writing outcomes, particularly by the end of Year 6, through a focus on integrating writing across various subjects.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes the need for improvement in mathematics, where progress by Year 6 has not been as strong as in reading and writing. Leaders are actively working to deepen pupils' understanding of mathematical concepts and vocabulary. Additionally, while pupils study French, there is a need for more consistent opportunities to practice and apply their language skills, particularly in writing longer sentences.
The school offers a broad curriculum, ensuring that all pupils have access to a range of subjects. Support is provided for those who may need additional help, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has established booster sessions in literacy and numeracy, which are carefully monitored for effectiveness. The learning environment is characterized by minimal disruption, allowing for a focus on teaching and learning.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders taking steps to reduce workload and improve working conditions. This consideration has led to positive feedback from staff regarding their experiences at the school. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, particularly concerning pupil outcomes and curriculum development.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders taking their responsibilities seriously and ensuring that staff are well-trained and informed about current issues. The school encourages open communication regarding any concerns, fostering a culture of vigilance and care.
To enhance its educational offerings, the school aims to ensure that improvements in mathematics are consistently applied across all year groups. Additionally, the development of the wider curriculum in foundation subjects is still in the early stages and requires further embedding. There is also a need to provide more opportunities for pupils to practice their French language skills and to write in sentences by Year 6. Overall, Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment, with clear pathways for ongoing improvement.
