Swinderby All Saints Church of England Primary School, located in Lincolnshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 16 and 17, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their small and friendly environment, often describing it as a family. Parents echo this sentiment, highlighting the supportive and nurturing atmosphere that fosters their children's growth. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils feel welcomed and valued. Its vision is rooted in core values such as truthfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and respect, which guide the personal development of students.
The quality of education at Swinderby is deemed good, with effective phonics instruction being a notable strength. Staff have received training to implement a sequenced phonics program, allowing children in the Reception Year to begin reading and writing from the outset. While most pupils enjoy reading, a small number face challenges due to the phonics program not being fully adapted to their needs. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils in mixed-age classes to learn progressively and logically. Teachers are knowledgeable in English and mathematics, and they routinely assess prior learning to ensure students are ready for new concepts. However, there are instances where pupils spend excessive time on previously acquired knowledge, which can hinder their progress.
The wider curriculum is ambitious, aligning with national expectations while also extending beyond them in certain subjects. For example, older pupils engage with complex historical topics, such as slavery, fostering critical thinking about moral issues. Although pupils generally engage well with their learning, there are occasions when the activities do not deepen their understanding effectively. The school has robust systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and are fully integrated into school life.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils learning about equality and diversity in an age-appropriate manner. They participate in various enriching experiences, such as outdoor activities and cultural outings, which contribute to their overall growth. The school’s leadership has shown determination in addressing previous inspection concerns, leading to improvements in teaching and learning. Governors play an active role in supporting the school’s progress, holding leaders accountable while fostering a collaborative environment among staff.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school’s commitment to the well-being of both students and staff is evident, with leaders considering workload and mental health in their management practices. Overall, Swinderby All Saints Church of England Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational experience, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in adapting phonics instruction and ensuring that learning activities consistently promote deeper understanding across all subjects. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, supported by a dedicated staff and engaged community.
