St John's C of E Primary School in Cliviger has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2023. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils are friendly and supportive of one another, embodying the school's Christian values. Pupils form friendships easily and enjoy playing together during break times, contributing to a close-knit community. They take pride in their school, arriving eager to learn and engaging confidently in discussions about their learning experiences. Special events like Welly Wednesdays and Family Fridays are particularly enjoyed by the students.
The school has high expectations for its pupils, who are polite, hardworking, and well-behaved. They understand the importance of good behavior and appreciate the recognition they receive for their efforts. The school effectively addresses any concerns regarding bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.
Leaders have developed a well-structured curriculum that reflects their aspirations for all students. In most subjects, the curriculum is well established, and staff are knowledgeable about what is to be taught. Pupils are given opportunities to revisit prior learning, which aids in their retention of knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum is still being refined, leading to some uncertainty among teachers regarding the essential knowledge to be taught. This has resulted in gaps in knowledge for some pupils.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations of new concepts. They facilitate opportunities for pupils to revisit previous learning, enhancing their understanding. Nonetheless, there are instances where teachers do not adequately check pupils' understanding, which can hinder their ability to build on prior knowledge effectively.
Reading is a central focus of the school's curriculum, with leaders carefully selecting high-quality texts for pupils to engage with. A new early reading curriculum has been introduced, and staff have received training to implement this approach effectively. Pupils are systematically taught phonics, and those who struggle receive additional support to help them catch up.
The school has effective systems in place for identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive tailored support to follow the same curriculum as their peers. Behaviour across the school is exceptional, with pupils demonstrating focus and collaboration in their learning. Early years children benefit from established routines that promote enthusiasm for learning.
Leaders prioritize the personal development of pupils, taking advantage of the school's rural setting to enhance their social, moral, cultural, and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to develop resilience and responsibility, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available. Staff are supportive of one another, and governors are dedicated to the school's continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John's are effective, with staff taking their responsibilities seriously. They are well-trained and act promptly on any concerns, ensuring pupils are safe and aware of how to keep themselves safe in various contexts. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement in ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge goals and that teachers consistently check for understanding.
