Stonesfield Primary School, located in Witney, Oxfordshire, underwent an inspection on October 1 and 2, 2024. The inspection revealed that the quality of education requires improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. Leadership and management were also found to require improvement. The school previously received a good rating in its last inspection in February 2023.
Pupils at Stonesfield Primary School express pride in their school and enjoy their learning experiences, particularly the weekly forest school sessions that foster an appreciation for nature and the environment. They understand the importance of the school's rules and routines, known as the 'Stonesfield Standards.' Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has made strides in reviewing its curriculum, identifying essential knowledge for most subjects. However, the quality of learning activities varies, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding across different subjects.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and interactions with peers and adults. A new behaviour policy has been implemented, resulting in improved behaviour among most pupils. They feel safe and know they can approach adults with concerns. The school teaches pupils how to stay safe, both online and in the community, and staff are committed to creating a safe learning environment.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with a curriculum designed to engage them and connect their learning. Phonics instruction is particularly effective, enabling children to recognize letters and sounds. In mathematics, children can confidently count and group objects. The reading curriculum is robust, providing high-quality texts and ensuring that pupils take home books that align with their learning. However, phonics teaching for older pupils lacks consistency, affecting their confidence in reading and writing.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, with most subjects planned to build on prior knowledge. Despite this, learning activities do not consistently reinforce essential knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding. Checks on pupils' knowledge and misconceptions are not sufficiently embedded, resulting in some pupils moving on to more challenging tasks without a solid foundation.
Pupils respond well to established classroom rules and routines, with support provided for those with special educational needs. Most pupils attend school regularly, and the school actively works to improve attendance for those who struggle. Extra-curricular activities, such as music lessons and trips, are valued by pupils, who also appreciate opportunities to learn new skills and celebrate events like the Harvest Festival.
Pupils demonstrate an understanding of equality and respect, learning about influential figures and the importance of kindness. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must ensure that tasks align with the curriculum's aims and that teachers regularly check pupils' understanding before advancing to more complex material. Consistency in phonics teaching is also necessary to enhance reading skills for all pupils. Overall, while Stonesfield Primary School has strengths in various areas, there are clear opportunities for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all students.
