Burnley St Stephen’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school provides a welcoming environment where all pupils are respected as individuals. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. As a result, pupils achieve well and display positive attitudes towards learning, often seen with happy faces engaged in their studies. The outdoor play area is well-resourced, allowing pupils to enjoy their time outside with friends.
Pupils express that they feel safe and are comfortable discussing any concerns with staff. The school fosters a caring community where most pupils behave well, enabling a conducive learning environment. Instances of bullying are addressed effectively by the leadership team. Beyond academics, pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall development. They participate in decision-making processes through roles such as school councillors and eco-warriors, and older pupils enjoy mentoring younger students.
Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the school as a family-like environment where staff are professional and approachable. The leadership team, governors, and staff are committed to providing the best education for all pupils. They have designed an ambitious and enjoyable curriculum that meets the needs of the students. While many subjects are well-planned and sequenced, there are instances where key knowledge that pupils need to learn is not clearly identified, which can affect their achievement in those subjects.
Monitoring of the curriculum is effective in some areas, with subject leaders regularly visiting lessons and reviewing pupils' work. However, monitoring in other subjects has been less developed due to pandemic-related restrictions. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early years pupils introduced to phonics and reading through engaging activities. Staff effectively match reading materials to pupils' abilities, fostering confidence and fluency in reading.
Teachers provide clear explanations of new concepts and address misunderstandings promptly. Pupils take pride in their achievements and can articulate their learning experiences. The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum alongside their peers. Pupils are involved in various activities that broaden their understanding of the world, including charity work and learning about different cultures and faiths.
The governing body is well-informed about the school’s operations and supports the headteacher while also challenging the school to maintain high educational standards. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of distress in pupils and to follow appropriate procedures. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, healthy relationships, and online safety, equipping pupils with essential life skills.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all subjects clearly identify the essential knowledge pupils must learn and retain. This will help enhance pupils' overall achievement. Additionally, some subject leaders need to strengthen their monitoring practices to gain a comprehensive understanding of pupil progress in their areas. Overall, Burnley St Stephen’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
