St Lucia’s C of E Primary School and Nursery in Upton Magna, Shrewsbury, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 27 and 28 February 2024. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and well cared for, fostering a positive attitude towards learning. The picturesque rural setting is appreciated by the students, who actively participate in an eco-committee that influences environmental decisions within the school and the local community. The school maintains strong ties with the local church, engaging pupils in community activities such as planting flower bulbs in the churchyard.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with staff setting high expectations and addressing any disruptive behavior promptly and positively. The school’s core Christian values and motto of Nurture, nourish, grow underpin the behavior management strategies. Leaders are committed to providing a broad range of experiences for pupils beyond their immediate community, ensuring regular educational visits and participation in sports tournaments. The variety of after-school clubs is well-received by pupils, parents, and carers, who recognize the growing opportunities for enriching their children's experiences.
The school demonstrates ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, clearly outlining learning objectives from the early years. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in writing, where the school has not yet established a clear framework for the specific knowledge pupils should acquire over time. This has resulted in some pupils not reaching their full potential in writing. The school is aware of this issue and is actively working on enhancements.
Reading is prioritized, with a robust phonics program in place that supports early readers effectively. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, and the school’s library resources, including a visiting library bus, contribute to developing their reading skills. The needs of pupils with SEND are generally well met, although there are instances where support strategies lack specificity, leading to some uncertainty among staff regarding how to assist these pupils effectively.
In lessons, misconceptions are typically addressed quickly, and questioning techniques are employed to deepen pupils' understanding. The early years provision is particularly strong, with purposeful interactions that enhance language development. However, assessment systems in some foundation subjects are still in the early stages, limiting leaders' ability to track pupils' knowledge accumulation over time.
Pupils exhibit calm and orderly behavior throughout the school, with younger children demonstrating good manners and turn-taking skills. Those requiring additional support for emotional and behavioral management receive effective assistance from caring staff, minimizing disruptions to learning time. The school promotes an understanding of diverse faiths and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment where all pupils feel welcome.
Since the last inspection, there have been significant changes in leadership, with a new headteacher and governing body in place. Governors are dedicated to ensuring high-quality education and are becoming increasingly skilled in holding school leaders accountable. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, although minor improvements are needed in recording minor concerns to build a comprehensive picture of pupil welfare.
Overall, St Lucia’s C of E Primary School and Nursery is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in writing and SEND support, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their full potential.
