St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, was inspected on December 10-11, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as personal development and early years provision receiving outstanding ratings. The school has a strong commitment to fostering a positive environment for its pupils, encouraging them to engage in various roles such as eco warriors and worship ambassadors. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of mental health, environmental issues, and social inequalities, actively participating in initiatives to improve their community and support one another.
Behaviour among pupils has shown improvement, with most students adhering to expected standards. The school takes bullying seriously, and there is a culture of openness where pupils feel comfortable reporting any issues. However, while personal development expectations are high, academic performance in some subjects has not met the same standards, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
The curriculum is designed to meet national standards, but there are concerns regarding its implementation. While English and mathematics have well-structured plans, other subjects lack sufficient detail, which has contributed to a decline in academic standards since the last inspection. Teachers are aware of pupils' capabilities but often do not tailor their lessons adequately to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with special educational needs and those who are capable of more advanced work.
In the early years, the provision is notably strong, with children quickly learning to interact positively with peers. Phonics instruction is particularly effective, leading to early confidence in reading and spelling. The new headteacher has recognized the need for curriculum improvements and has initiated training and support for staff to enhance teaching quality, particularly in phonics and writing.
Despite the positive changes, some parents have expressed concerns regarding pupil safety and bullying, particularly among older students. However, improvements in teaching quality and behaviour management policies have contributed to a more settled atmosphere in classrooms and on the playground.
The school offers a robust curriculum for personal development, ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to excel. Year six students take on special responsibilities, fostering a sense of community and support among different age groups. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of child safety protocols. Regular updates and training ensure that all staff are informed about safeguarding practices.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the planning and sequencing of the curriculum in foundation subjects, ensuring that teachers have the necessary information to deliver high-quality education. There is a need for better assessment practices to help teachers adapt their planning to meet the needs of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and those capable of deeper learning. The school is in the process of addressing these issues, with a long-term plan in place for curriculum development and staff training.
Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with ongoing efforts to improve academic outcomes and personal development opportunities.
