Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Stoke St Gregory Church of England Primary School on January 20, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The interim headteacher, Barney Rycroft, who joined the school in November 2022, has been part of a supportive arrangement with The Oak Partnership Trust. This partnership has also brought in a temporary special educational needs coordinator to assist the school.
During the inspection, discussions were held with senior leaders, governors, and representatives from the local authority regarding the actions taken to improve the school. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school was also considered. The inspector visited lessons, met with subject leaders, and reviewed various documents, including the school improvement plan. Additionally, the inspector engaged with pupils to discuss their learning experiences and assessed their reading skills.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, Stoke St Gregory Church of England Primary School continues to require improvement. Leaders have implemented changes to enhance the quality of the early reading curriculum, resulting in rapid progress for children in the Reception Year. However, there remains a need for a more focused approach to address the gaps in phonics knowledge for pupils in key stage two, who still struggle with reading.
The curriculum has seen improvements in several subjects, including personal, social, and health education, as well as physical education. Nonetheless, the curriculum in all subjects is not yet fully developed to ensure that pupils gain detailed knowledge. Curriculum leadership is on the rise, with subject leaders increasingly planning to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to enhance their knowledge retention.
The interim headteacher has provided strong leadership, which has facilitated the implementation of improved systems and processes. The evaluation of the curriculum's impact is now more rigorous, and governors are mindful of staff workload amid the rapid changes. Leaders and governors are collaborating effectively to address the school's weaknesses.
Support from the Somerset Literacy Network has been beneficial, guiding improvements in early reading and English. The Oak Partnership Trust has also played a significant role in supporting the school's leadership, ensuring that the additional capacity is utilized effectively. As a result, the rate of improvement has increased notably.
The school is encouraged to take further action to ensure that support for key stage two pupils in the early stages of reading is precisely targeted to address their knowledge gaps. Additionally, the school should work towards providing a well-sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to acquire detailed knowledge across all foundation subjects.
In summary, while Stoke St Gregory Church of England Primary School has made strides in its improvement journey, particularly in early reading, there is still work to be done to ensure that all pupils receive the support and curriculum they need to succeed. The leadership team is committed to this process, and with continued support and focus, the school aims to achieve a good rating in future inspections.
