Sunningwell Church of England Primary School, located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has been inspected and continues to be rated as a good school. The inspection, conducted on June 12, 2024, did not result in a change to this overall judgement. However, evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the outcome might not be as favorable. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will provide a more definitive assessment of the school's performance.
Pupils at Sunningwell are generally happy and understand the importance of good behavior. They express a sense of belonging, describing the school environment as familial. The school offers a variety of enriching experiences beyond the local community, including visits to significant sites such as Windsor Castle and local care homes, which pupils greatly value. Safety is a priority, and students feel secure, trusting the adults in the school to support them when needed. The established routines foster a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, with younger children quickly learning to share and cooperate.
The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading from an early age. Children in the early years are introduced to phonics and reading skills, supported by regular author visits and book events. The curriculum is designed to help all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve success, particularly in reading and mathematics. The structured approach in these subjects allows pupils to build on their previous learning effectively.
While the curriculum is broad, there are areas needing improvement. The knowledge and skills in subjects outside reading and mathematics are not always taught in a logical sequence, which can hinder pupils' ability to retain and recall information. This inconsistency affects their understanding of various topics, as they may struggle to connect new learning with prior knowledge. Additionally, while assessment practices in reading and mathematics are robust, similar strategies are not consistently applied across other subjects, leading to gaps in learning.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for their education, actively participating in discussions and showing eagerness to share their thoughts. The school promotes positive behavior, and most students maintain good attendance, with effective measures in place to support those who struggle with regular attendance. The school community is characterized by respect and tolerance, with pupils taking pride in their roles and responsibilities, including participation in the school parliament, which has led to positive changes within the school environment.
Safeguarding measures are in place and deemed effective, although the school acknowledges that its processes for recording information could be improved. There is a recognition of the need for clearer and more accurate documentation to better track the support provided to pupils. The school is committed to enhancing its practices in this area.
Overall, Sunningwell Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. While it excels in fostering a love of reading and ensuring pupil safety, there are areas within the curriculum that require attention to ensure all subjects are taught coherently and effectively. The school is aware of these challenges and is taking steps to address them, aiming to provide a well-rounded education for all its pupils.
