St Lawrence Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Preston-upon-the-Weald Moors, Telford, received a positive inspection report in November 2019, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Parents express satisfaction with the school's commitment to caring for students, highlighting the strong sense of community and trust that permeates the school culture. Pupils appreciate the supportive atmosphere and the various opportunities provided for them to develop their talents and interests, such as participating in sports competitions and drama workshops.
The leadership team has effectively established a welcoming environment for all pupils, ensuring that they behave well and that incidents of bullying are rare. When issues arise, leaders respond promptly to resolve them. The school offers a broad curriculum that prepares pupils for future challenges, with a strong emphasis on reading. By the end of Year 1, most pupils have acquired the phonics skills necessary for successful reading, laying a solid foundation for their literacy development. Teachers employ innovative methods to introduce new vocabulary, enhancing pupils' language skills through engaging storytelling and interactive lessons.
The school has implemented structured plans that outline how teaching builds pupils' knowledge and skills over time. Teachers generally utilize these plans effectively, demonstrating a good understanding of the subjects they teach. Pupils exhibit a solid grasp of various topics, recalling information from previous lessons and demonstrating their knowledge in discussions. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the subjects of art and physical education, where staff expertise is still developing. Additionally, some subject leaders are new to their roles and require ongoing training to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Pupils display commendable behavior, showing politeness and courtesy towards adults and peers. They engage quickly with their work, although they occasionally need reminders to maintain focus. The school emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, teaching pupils to care for themselves and others. This focus contributes to a considerate and thoughtful student body that understands the concepts of right and wrong. While the school enriches learning through trips to places of interest, pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and religions remains limited, indicating a need for a more comprehensive approach to cultural education.
In the early years, children in the Reception class benefit from clear routines and engaging activities that promote key skills. The early years leader has developed exceptional plans that support children's knowledge and skills across all subjects, ensuring they receive an excellent start to their education. The school actively involves parents in their children's learning, providing exemplary information during the transition to school.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Lawrence CE Primary School are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety. Students are educated about online safety and understand how to protect themselves in various situations. Some pupils serve as safeguarding ambassadors, promoting safety within the school community. Staff maintain positive relationships with families and take swift action when concerns arise.
To further improve, the school should focus on providing additional training for subject leaders, particularly in physical education and art, to enhance staff expertise. Additionally, the curriculum should be expanded to offer more opportunities for pupils to learn about cultural and religious diversity, fostering a broader understanding of the world around them. Overall, St Lawrence CE Primary School is a vibrant learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
