St Nicolas Church of England Primary School in Abingdon has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 February 2023. The school maintains a positive environment where pupils respond well to the high expectations set by the leadership regarding behavior. This creates a calm atmosphere throughout the school, allowing students to feel safe and happy. Pupils report that instances of bullying are rare, and they trust that teachers will address any issues effectively. In the classroom, students are engaged and take pride in their learning, with all age groups eager to discuss their educational experiences. Teachers are commended for their ability to provide necessary support to all students.
Social interactions among pupils are joyful, with students actively participating in games and sharing responsibilities such as lunch monitoring and house council representation. Older students enjoy assisting younger ones with reading, recalling the importance of learning to read during their early years. The school fosters a community spirit where learning is valued, and staff are dedicated to helping every pupil achieve their best.
Parents express overwhelming support for the school, highlighting the care that staff show towards their children. The staff take pride in their work and share the leadership's high ambitions. The curriculum is designed to be unique and reflective of the local area, with subjects like mathematics and physical education carefully sequenced to build knowledge and facilitate rapid progress. This structured approach helps teachers understand how knowledge and skills develop over time, ensuring lessons build on prior learning and prepare students for future stages.
Reading is prioritized, with well-trained staff delivering phonics instruction and interventions effectively. Most pupils learn to read confidently and fluently, with early years teachers regularly helping children practice reading and writing. The school encourages family involvement in reading through initiatives like the Mystery Reader program, where parents read to children.
In the early years, the curriculum is designed to establish a solid foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics. Teachers focus on communication skills to help children express their emotions, and play activities are linked to thematic learning. The transition from early years to Year 1 is carefully planned to ensure children settle quickly.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior and respect towards each other and adults. Staff are attentive to pupils' needs and provide timely support, particularly for disadvantaged students. The school offers various after-school clubs and a breakfast club to ensure all pupils have opportunities for engagement. The school community warmly welcomes pupils from families in the services.
However, leaders recognize that attendance needs improvement, as some pupils do not attend regularly. They have initiated a new strategy to identify families needing support to ensure consistent attendance, although further work is required to achieve the desired impact. The school aims to provide a comprehensive education, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and well-being. Assemblies celebrate positive behavior and themes relevant to the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular reviews of processes and staff training to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated on safety and know whom to approach with worries. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in a few subjects and enhancing attendance strategies to support all families effectively.
