St Helen’s Church of England Primary School in Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy to attend and are encouraged to strive for their best. Respect among pupils is evident, and they build strong relationships with staff, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to help all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well. Early years routines are clear, promoting positive behaviors that most pupils exhibit throughout the school. However, a small number of pupils occasionally do not meet the high expectations set by adults.
Pupils engage enthusiastically in a wide range of activities, including clubs that they can organize themselves, which helps them develop new skills and confidence. Unique offerings such as fencing, sign language, and Braille allow pupils to explore their interests and talents. The school also emphasizes community involvement, with pupils participating in local events and celebrations, strengthening their connection to the village.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with clear documentation outlining essential knowledge for pupils from Reception to Year 6. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, supported by effective training and resources. Lessons are well-presented, utilizing various activities to engage pupils. However, the effectiveness of teachers' assessments varies, leading to some pupils moving on to new content before fully grasping previous material. This inconsistency can result in gaps in knowledge.
Reading is a priority at St Helen’s, with phonics taught consistently from the start of Reception. Staff quickly identify pupils who struggle with reading and provide effective support to help them keep up. Daily reading opportunities foster a love for reading, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for their favorite authors and books. The school excels in supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers through tailored plans and resources.
In the Reception Year, children follow established routines, allowing staff to identify learning gaps effectively. Engaging activities help close these gaps, enabling children to start their education confidently and ready for Year 1. While behavior during social times is generally calm, a small number of pupils occasionally disrupt learning in lessons. However, staff reminders are usually sufficient to help these pupils refocus.
The school has a well-structured program for developing pupils' broader skills, including online safety awareness. Pupils take pride in the inclusive nature of the school, with opportunities for all to participate in sports and leadership roles. Staff feel well-supported, appreciating the training and measures taken to reduce their workload. Governors are actively involved, regularly checking on the school's progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Helen’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school should focus on ensuring that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding during lessons and use this information to inform their teaching. This will help address any gaps in knowledge and ensure that all pupils achieve their potential. Overall, St Helen’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on community, inclusivity, and personal development.
