Stanton Community Primary School, located in Suffolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. Strong relationships between staff and students are evident, with pupils expressing that teachers genuinely care for their well-being. The presence of Samson, the therapy dog, provides additional emotional support for students who may feel sad or anxious. The school promotes a culture of safety, where pupils understand the importance of discussing concerns and bullying, and they appreciate the role of anti-bullying ambassadors in fostering a harmonious community.
The school sets high expectations for all pupils, leading to commendable achievements in reading and mathematics. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive exceptional support, enabling them to participate actively in the school community. The nurture provisions available, such as the calm spaces for pupils to develop their social skills, contribute to a supportive learning environment. A variety of clubs and educational trips enrich the pupils' experiences, allowing them to explore diverse interests and learn outside the classroom.
The curriculum at Stanton Community Primary School is broad and ambitious, outlining clear learning objectives from Nursery to Year 6. Pupils perform in line with national averages in reading and writing, and they excel in multiplication checks due to a well-structured mathematics curriculum. The school emphasizes revisiting learning and applying mathematical knowledge to various problems, which helps improve the proportion of pupils achieving higher standards in key stage two. However, in some foundation subjects, there are areas where pupils struggle to retain key knowledge, indicating that the quality checks on these subjects are still developing.
Phonics instruction is a strong point, with well-trained staff conducting daily sessions and ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' phonetic knowledge. This approach fosters fluency in reading and confidence in writing. The school also prioritizes the inclusion of pupils with SEND, ensuring their individual needs are met and that they have positive attitudes towards learning.
In the early years, children are enthusiastic learners, with a focus on developing communication and language skills. Outdoor exploration enhances their understanding of nature and scientific concepts. The school promotes a culture of attendance, providing support for pupils with persistent absenteeism, which has led to improvements in attendance and punctuality. Behaviour is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect, contributing to a productive learning atmosphere.
The extensive range of extracurricular activities broadens pupils' horizons and fosters an understanding of diverse cultures and beliefs. Visits to places of worship and discussions on moral dilemmas encourage respect for differing viewpoints. Staff feel supported by school leaders, and the governing body is now fully constituted, although there is a need for further development in their roles to effectively hold leaders accountable for educational quality.
The safeguarding arrangements at Stanton Community Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance the school's performance, leaders should focus on rigorously checking the implementation of the curriculum in foundation subjects and ensuring that governors fully understand their roles in supporting school improvement. Overall, Stanton Community Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
