St Michael’s Church of England VA Primary and Nursery School in Aylsham, Norfolk, has undergone a recent inspection on November 8 and 9, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as Requires Improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to high expectations for pupil achievement, with effective collaboration among leaders and teachers contributing to positive educational outcomes from Nursery through Year 6.
Pupils at St Michael’s are reported to be happy and safe, with a supportive environment that celebrates their achievements and encourages positive behavior. The school implements various strategies to address the social and emotional needs of its students, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among them. Pupils feel comfortable expressing themselves and have access to adults for support when needed. The school effectively manages behavior, with a largely positive atmosphere and minimal instances of bullying, which are addressed promptly when they occur.
Despite these strengths, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly regarding pupils' understanding of British values. While concepts such as diverse family structures have been introduced, retention of this knowledge appears to be lacking among some pupils. Additionally, in subjects like mathematics, published outcomes do not fully reflect the current learning progress of pupils, which has been impacted by previous challenges, including staff changes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these issues are no longer hindering pupil learning, and the school has made strides in enhancing educational quality since the last inspection.
The curriculum has been effectively restructured to outline clear learning objectives from Nursery to Year 6, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and adherence to the established curriculum. The school is particularly ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure their success. While pupils excel in mathematics and reading, there is a need for improvement in retaining knowledge across other subjects, as key concepts are not consistently revisited.
The school has invested significantly in its reading program, implementing a phonics scheme validated by the Department for Education. Staff have been trained to deliver this program effectively, ensuring that pupils receive targeted support to catch up if they fall behind. This focus on reading has resulted in pupils learning to read fluently.
Attendance rates have improved markedly over the past two years, with most pupils attending regularly. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities and trips that contribute to pupils' personal development, although there are still gaps in their understanding of certain democratic principles.
Leadership at St Michael’s is characterized by strong support for staff well-being and workload management, fostering a positive team spirit. Governors are actively engaged in the school’s progress, providing oversight and challenge to ensure accountability. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils.
In summary, St Michael’s Church of England VA Primary and Nursery School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas. While there are areas for further development, particularly in knowledge retention and understanding of British values, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and success for its pupils.
