Stogumber CofE Primary School, located in Somerset, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various aspects of its operations. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement, successfully addressing many recommendations from previous inspections. However, some initiatives require additional time to become fully integrated into the school's practices. The pupils at Stogumber are noted for their politeness, friendliness, and eagerness to learn, contributing positively to the school environment. They feel safe and well-supported by the staff, which fosters a conducive learning atmosphere.
The teaching of early reading and phonics is particularly effective, enabling pupils to achieve strong progress in their literacy skills. The school employs precise teaching methods that help students read and write with the expected accuracy and fluency for their age. Overall, the quality of teaching across various subjects is good, with most pupils making commendable progress. Nevertheless, there are instances where teachers do not utilize assessments effectively enough to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students. Some pupils, particularly a minority, may not be sufficiently challenged in their learning.
Mathematics instruction is also effective, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge. Pupils are encouraged to apply their mathematical skills to solve problems and reason effectively. The school's strategies to enhance the teaching of spelling, punctuation, and grammar are yielding positive results, as pupils are increasingly using interesting vocabulary in their writing. However, opportunities for pupils to apply their writing skills across different subjects are limited, which affects the complexity of their writing.
Leaders effectively utilize additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they make good progress. Recent efforts to develop nursery provision are beginning to show positive outcomes, with staff improving their interactions and assessment practices. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of knowledge across subjects, and the school offers strong care and support, promoting pupils' social and emotional development.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance leadership and management by ensuring that senior leaders provide consistent guidance and support to staff. Additionally, there is a focus on ensuring that early years leaders continue to build on their initial successes in developing nursery provision. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment will also be improved by challenging pupils to practice and apply their writing skills more effectively, enabling them to write with greater complexity and cohesion across subjects. Furthermore, teachers are encouraged to use assessments consistently to adjust their teaching to meet the learning needs of all pupils.
The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained and understand their responsibilities in keeping children safe. The curriculum includes lessons on internet safety, ensuring pupils are aware of potential online risks. Overall, Stogumber CofE Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially, supported by dedicated staff and a committed leadership team.
