Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Peter’s Methodist Primary School on 12 December 2018, following its previous judgment of good in March 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the interim executive headteacher, has effectively upheld the standards of teaching and learning. Since September, the executive headteacher has divided time between St Peter’s and another school, implementing a new leadership structure and collaborating closely with the head of school. This partnership has fostered a positive environment where staff morale is high, and parents feel the school is improving.
The school promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity, allowing pupils to learn and play without fear of prejudice. The curriculum is broad and enriched, with a strong emphasis on developing mathematical and English skills while ensuring other subjects are not neglected. However, there are instances where planned activities do not fully utilize pupils' personal skills and initiative, limiting opportunities for them to become resourceful learners.
Pupils at St Peter’s are enthusiastic about their school experience, displaying excellent behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. They feel supported by their teachers, who encourage them to seek help when needed. The relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a respectful and caring school environment. Parents generally express satisfaction with the school, appreciating the accessibility of staff and the family-like atmosphere.
The inspection highlighted the need for continued improvement in the progress of the most able pupils, a focus identified in the previous inspection. Leaders are aware that providing appropriate challenges for all pupils is essential for their progress and attainment. The school has made strides in improving mathematics, particularly in key stage two, where previous performance was not as strong as in reading and writing. Current pupils are making good progress in mathematics, developing reasoning skills and a deeper understanding.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough arrangements in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive regular training, and there is a clear understanding of policies and procedures. Pupils feel safe and secure, knowing they can approach adults with any concerns. The school has successfully improved attendance rates and reduced the number of pupils with poor attendance.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including pupils' achievement in mathematics, the progress of different groups, the effectiveness of leadership, and safeguarding. Leaders have established regular meetings with teachers to monitor pupil progress, allowing for timely support where necessary. The school welcomes a significant number of pupils who speak English as an additional language, providing effective support to ensure their rapid progress.
While expectations for pupil achievement are generally high, there is room for improvement in ensuring that all teachers consistently challenge pupils appropriately. The leadership team is committed to developing leaders at all levels and has clear plans for further improvement. The next steps for the school include increasing opportunities for pupils to be resourceful learners and ensuring that all teachers maintain high expectations for pupil achievement. Overall, the inspection findings affirm the school's commitment to providing a good quality of education while identifying areas for continued growth and development.
