Sutton on the Forest Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is recognized as a good school, situated in a community-focused environment. The staff at the school are well-acquainted with the pupils and their families, fostering a strong sense of mutual respect. This positive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe, as they know they can seek help from any adult or designated pupil well-being champions when needed. The recent curriculum changes have introduced higher expectations for pupils, who are motivated to meet these standards and generally perform well. The school has established clear behavior rules, which most pupils follow diligently, and instances of bullying are rare, with effective adult intervention when conflicts arise.
The school leadership is committed to embedding values such as respect, compassion, friendship, and perseverance throughout the curriculum. Pupils have opportunities to engage in activities that promote these values, including participation in the Archbishop’s Young Leader Award and various extracurricular clubs. Since the last inspection, significant improvements have been made to the curriculum, particularly in phonics instruction, which is consistently taught across early years and key stage one. Staff are well-trained, enabling them to monitor pupil progress effectively and provide timely interventions for those who may be struggling. The reading materials are appropriately matched to the pupils' phonetic knowledge, and younger pupils benefit from daily reading sessions led by adults.
While the curriculum in core subjects like mathematics is well-established from Reception to Year Six, some foundation subjects, such as art and design, are still in the early stages of development. Subject leaders are actively involved in assessing the quality of teaching in their areas and are beginning to see positive outcomes from recent changes. However, assessment practices in foundation subjects are not as robust as in core subjects, which may lead to gaps in pupils' knowledge not being identified.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents, such as cricket and music. Leaders strive to make these opportunities accessible to as many pupils as possible, including lunchtime clubs for those unable to stay after school. The well-being champions play a vital role in leading these activities, enhancing their leadership skills.
Pupils are educated on important social issues through the personal, social, and health education curriculum, which encourages them to engage in discussions and understand the significance of treating others with respect and equality. The school is effectively led and managed, with governors actively participating in school life and supporting staff well-being. Staff express pride in their work environment, contributing to a strong team dynamic.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with regular training for staff and governors on various safeguarding aspects. Pupils are aware of whom to approach if they have concerns, and the well-being champions are trained to report issues. The school conducts appropriate recruitment checks for new staff, ensuring a safe environment for all.
To further enhance the educational experience, the school should focus on improving assessment practices in foundation subjects to ensure that all pupils achieve well across the curriculum. This will help identify knowledge gaps and tailor learning sequences to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Overall, Sutton on the Forest Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
