St Andrew's CofE Primary School, located on Park Lane in Shifnal, Shropshire, has recently been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection, conducted on June 7 and 8, 2023, highlighted the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and its dedication to the core values of respect, friendship, and perseverance.
Pupils, staff, parents, and carers express pride in their school, which is deeply embedded in the local community. The atmosphere at St Andrew's is described as calm and conducive to learning, with students demonstrating exceptional politeness and consideration for others. The high expectations set by the staff ensure that pupils are eager to learn and engage actively in their lessons.
During playtimes, students are seen playing cooperatively, reflecting the strong sense of community and friendship that the school promotes. The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including sports clubs such as cricket and rugby, as well as opportunities for pupils to learn musical instruments like the keyboard and guitar. Notably, Year 6 students participate in a biennial residential trip, further enriching their educational experience.
The recent changes in senior leadership have been positively received by parents, who appreciate the improvements in the school's operations and communication. While parents have expressed a desire for more information regarding the curriculum and their children's progress, the governing body remains well-trained and committed to the school's mission. They actively seek external advice to ensure an accurate understanding of the school's performance and are dedicated to supporting staff well-being.
Leaders at St Andrew's are determined to enhance pupils' achievements across the curriculum. They have successfully redeveloped the curriculum, ensuring that learning is sequenced effectively in most subjects. Staff training has been prioritized to develop subject expertise, and checks on curriculum delivery are regularly conducted to monitor pupil progress.
Reading is a central focus of the revised curriculum, with a new phonics program introduced at the beginning of the school year. Staff have received training to effectively teach early reading, and assessment practices are in place to identify pupils needing additional support. This targeted approach has resulted in pupils achieving well in phonics by the end of Year 1.
In the early years, relationships between adults and children are nurturing, ensuring that children settle quickly into school life. The curriculum includes outdoor woodland learning, where children engage in hands-on activities, such as creating bug hotels, fostering cooperation and creativity.
St Andrew's is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school swiftly identifies these pupils and adapts the curriculum to meet their individual needs, working closely with external agencies and parents to provide comprehensive support. Pupils are also educated about fundamental British values, learning to respect diverse opinions and engage in community service, such as fundraising for national charities and supporting local food banks.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, creating a strong culture of safety. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns, and the school collaborates with external agencies to provide early help for families in need. Pupils report feeling safe and are educated on online safety, equipping them with strategies to navigate the digital world responsibly.
While St Andrew's has many strengths, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum needs better sequencing to build on pupils' knowledge year by year. Additionally, parents seek more information about the curriculum and their children's learning progress. Leaders are encouraged to enhance communication with parents and ensure that checks on pupil achievement are well-structured.
St Andrew's CofE Primary School stands as a testament to the power of community, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in education. With a focus on continuous improvement and a nurturing environment, the school is well-positioned to support its pupils in achieving their full potential. As it moves forward, the school remains dedicated to fostering a love of learning and ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.
