Located on Ecton Brook Road in Northampton, St Andrew’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School has recently garnered attention for its impressive transformation, achieving a Good rating in its latest Ofsted inspection conducted on November 19-20, 2019. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as Requires Improvement.
St Andrew’s is characterized as a happy school where pupils are eager to learn and explore new ideas daily. The school fosters a friendly atmosphere, encouraging confidence among its students. Central to the school’s ethos are its values encapsulated in the acronym I ASPIRE, which emphasizes ambition and aspiration. Staff actively engage with pupils, introducing them to various career paths through visits from professionals, thereby igniting their interest in future possibilities.
The leadership at St Andrew’s places a strong emphasis on fostering a love for reading. Pupils are exposed to classic literature that not only captivates their imagination but also enhances their vocabulary. The school has seen a growing number of enthusiastic readers, with students expressing their enjoyment of stories and poetry. For instance, Year 6 pupils demonstrated their engagement by reciting the poem The Highwayman from memory.
Behaviour at St Andrew’s is commendable, with pupils reporting that bullying is rare. Initiatives like Odd Socks Day promote understanding and celebration of diversity among students. The school ensures that pupils have access to caring adults for support, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
Students at St Andrew’s benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including various clubs and exciting field trips to outdoor activity centres. These experiences contribute to a well-rounded education, allowing pupils to explore their interests beyond the classroom.
The school’s curriculum is well-structured, with leaders clearly outlining the essential knowledge pupils should acquire in each subject. The teaching of phonics has been notably effective, with younger children starting their phonics education earlier than in previous years. However, there are instances where the reading materials provided to some pupils do not align with their phonetic knowledge, indicating an area for improvement.
Pupils demonstrate strong performance in mathematics, with teaching methods designed to build understanding progressively. The ambitious curriculums in science and history ensure that all pupils are challenged and engaged, although there is a need for more consistent revisiting of key knowledge across all subjects.
St Andrew’s is committed to inclusivity, providing effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Teachers and teaching assistants are adept at adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs of their students, ensuring that all pupils can participate meaningfully in their education.
The governing body has strengthened since the last inspection, with governors actively challenging school leaders to maintain high standards. They engage regularly with staff and pupils to assess the school’s progress towards its goals. The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of both pupils and staff, fostering a supportive work environment.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-supported. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to any concerns regarding pupil safety, and the school collaborates with external organizations to educate students about online safety.
While St Andrew’s has made significant strides, there are still areas for growth. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that teachers frequently revisit previous learning to reinforce knowledge retention. Additionally, the selection of reading materials for younger pupils should be carefully aligned with their phonetic skills to enhance their reading fluency.
St Andrew’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School stands as a testament to the power of effective leadership, dedicated staff, and a supportive community. With its commitment to fostering a love of learning and ensuring the well-being of its pupils, St Andrew’s is well on its way to becoming a leading educational institution in Northamptonshire. As the school continues to build on its successes, it remains focused on providing an enriching and inclusive environment for all its students.
