Stanion Church of England Aided Primary School, located in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 10, 2022. The school fosters a strong community atmosphere, emphasizing values such as love, inspire, flourish, and embrace. These values are integrated into both the academic and social experiences of the pupils. The leadership has implemented initiatives like 'super friends' and 'superpowers' to encourage students to think independently, be themselves, and support one another. This approach has resulted in pupils enjoying their lessons and treating each other with respect.
The pupils at Stanion are noted for their politeness and confidence, taking pride in their work. The school acknowledges good behavior and achievements during weekly assemblies, and students actively participate in school life through roles such as members of the church council and the reading squad. The school environment is free from bullying, with pupils expressing trust in their teachers and feeling safe.
Leadership at the school maintains high expectations and has developed a curriculum that supports academic achievement for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of subjects and topics, with teachers breaking down learning into manageable segments. This method has proven effective, particularly in mathematics, where older pupils are able to tackle complex problem-solving tasks.
Recently, the reading curriculum has been refined, with phonics instruction starting in Reception. All staff have undergone phonics training, ensuring consistent support for reading from early years through to Year 6. Teachers are proactive in identifying pupils who require additional help, allowing them to keep pace with their peers. As a result, pupils develop confidence in their reading abilities, with many achieving platinum awards for daily reading.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding before progressing in lessons, and in the Reception class, staff provide timely support to develop children's knowledge. However, in some subjects within the wider curriculum, there is a need for improvement in helping pupils recall prior learning and connect it with new concepts. This gap can lead to less secure knowledge in those areas.
Pupils with special educational needs are fully included in school life, with teachers quickly identifying those who need extra support. The school ensures that these pupils have access to the same curriculum as their peers, with regular reviews of their targets to provide tailored support.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including multisports, cooking, and gardening clubs, which change every half term to encourage exploration of new interests. Pupils also engage in cultural exchanges and visits to various places of worship, enhancing their understanding of diverse perspectives and British values.
Leaders are committed to continuous improvement, swiftly addressing priorities to enhance pupils' experiences. The governing body plays an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, fostering a collaborative culture among staff who express pride in their work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safety established through regular training and updates for staff. Pupils feel secure and are encouraged to share any concerns with staff. Overall, Stanion Church of England Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
