Sytchampton Endowed Primary School, located in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, underwent an inspection on November 29 and 30, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated strengths in behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Sytchampton are reported to be very happy and feel safe and well cared for. The staff maintain positive relationships with students, and pupils have access to trusted adults who assist them with any concerns. While students express enthusiasm for their learning and the topics they study, there are notable deficiencies in their learning outcomes in certain subjects, particularly reading and writing. School leaders are actively working to enhance the educational experience for pupils, and initial changes have shown positive effects.
The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, and students understand the rules. They are described as respectful, kind, and caring, with rare instances of bullying that are promptly addressed by staff. Pupils participate in various clubs, including crafts, sports, cooking, and drama, which they find enjoyable. Older students take pride in their responsibilities, such as being play leaders or school councillors, and they engage in charitable projects like the apprentice project, where they raise funds for chosen charities.
Leaders have developed a broad and interesting curriculum that is well-structured. Staff training has been provided in most subjects, including new methods for teaching reading and writing. However, the implementation of these changes is still in the early stages, and challenges remain in ensuring that pupils learn effectively in subjects like reading and writing. Some students struggle to apply their knowledge of spelling and punctuation in their writing across the curriculum.
The school aims for all pupils to read fluently and develop a love for reading. A new phonics program has been introduced to support early readers, but there is variability in its delivery, and some pupils do not receive adequate support tailored to their needs. Additionally, the reading materials provided to some students do not align with their phonetic knowledge, leading to a lack of confidence in their reading abilities. In contrast, children in the early years are reported to have a better experience and are learning to read effectively.
Leaders have identified the essential knowledge that all pupils should acquire, which aids teachers in planning their lessons. Assessment information is utilized to inform the next steps in learning. In subjects like mathematics, pupils are making strong progress, but there are concerns about retention of prior knowledge in other subjects, which limits their overall progress.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the general curriculum, and leaders have implemented a new system for identifying and supporting these students. However, there is recognition that further evaluation is needed to ensure that the support provided is effective in helping these pupils achieve their potential.
In the early years, children receive strong support from adults, with a focus on language development and engaging activities in a well-resourced environment. Leaders prioritize personal development, preparing pupils for future challenges and instilling an understanding of health and environmental responsibility. The governing body maintains high expectations for the school and provides effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Staff feel supported and valued, and parents have noted positive changes in the quality of education. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to welfare concerns promptly. Overall, while the school has areas for improvement, it also demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for its pupils.
