The St Sebastian’s Church of England Primary School in Great Gonerby has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 13 and 14 March 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where parents and carers express positive sentiments about their children's experiences. Central to the school's ethos are its core values of truthfulness, perseverance, aspiration, creativeness, courage, and friendship, which are integrated into the school's behavior policy. Pupils are encouraged to earn 'values points' for demonstrating these values, contributing to a culture of good behavior and respect among students. The school prioritizes mental well-being, ensuring that pupils feel cared for and supported.
Leadership at the school is ambitious, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff members share this ambition, and parents frequently commend the school for going above and beyond in supporting both pupils and families, fostering a strong sense of community. Pupils express happiness about attending school, appreciating the emphasis on equality and diversity, which is woven throughout the curriculum. They engage in various clubs and activities, such as Bible club, photography club, and yoga, which broaden their experiences.
The school excels in teaching reading, with a structured phonics program in place that supports pupils from the moment they enter Reception. Staff provide necessary support to ensure that all pupils can catch up if they fall behind. The reading curriculum is well-structured, offering a diverse range of books that promote understanding of diversity and encourage regular reading through incentives. The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, identifying key knowledge for pupils to learn and remember. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in developing systems to check pupils' knowledge in some foundation subjects.
In the early years foundation stage, children quickly adapt to routines and engage in thoughtfully designed activities that spark curiosity. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge over time, with regular checks ensuring that staff understand the needs of the children. Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with clear individual plans that guide staff in providing appropriate support.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior both in and out of the classroom, with minimal disruption noted during lessons. The values-based approach to behavior management is consistently applied, and pupils understand the expectations for their conduct. They engage positively with one another, both during play and in class, contributing to a high level of attendance.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to develop as responsible citizens, preparing them for life beyond primary education. The curriculum promotes tolerance and a strong sense of moral purpose, with pupils taking on various responsibilities within the school community. Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, fostering a strong team environment, and governors fulfill their roles diligently.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Regular training ensures that staff are equipped to keep pupils safe, and pupils feel secure, reporting that bullying is rare and that they know how to seek help if needed. While the school is performing well, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in developing consistent approaches to assess pupils' knowledge across all subjects and ensuring that teachers are aware of prior learning to address any gaps effectively. Overall, the school continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
