Stonham Aspal Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and friendly atmosphere where pupils enjoy attending. They appreciate the engaging and enjoyable learning activities designed by their teachers. Pupils feel safe and understand the importance of addressing bullying, which they report as infrequent. They express confidence in the ability of adults to resolve any conflicts that may arise.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, both in classrooms and throughout the school. They listen attentively to their teachers and show respect for one another during discussions. During breaks, pupils play together harmoniously and make good use of the outdoor equipment provided by the school. The school’s values are well understood and integrated into daily life, with pupils actively participating in various responsibilities, including roles as worship leaders and members of the school council and eco-club. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment activities, covering sports, drama, music, and STEAM subjects.
Parents have expressed positive feedback about the school, highlighting their children's happiness and progress. They appreciate the school's responsiveness to concerns raised by families. The leadership team has established a well-structured curriculum that allows pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively from early years through to Year 6. The curriculum includes specific language for each subject, enhancing pupils' ability to articulate their learning experiences. Regular assessments ensure that pupils understand new concepts and can recall prior knowledge, although the use of assessment in some subjects requires further development.
The school promotes a love of reading, with a new phonics scheme improving outcomes in this area. The approach to teaching reading supports pupils in developing their skills over time, ensuring they read books that align with their learning. This method has led to most pupils becoming fluent readers who enjoy reading. Additional support is provided for those who may struggle to keep up. The school has created inviting reading areas that encourage exploration of new texts, which are diverse and rich in content.
Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the curriculum. The consistent behavior management approach implemented by staff fosters a positive environment where pupils understand expectations and routines. The curriculum also supports pupils' wider development, teaching them to be active citizens through initiatives like the eco-club and fundraising for charities.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Assessment practices in foundation subjects need to be more consistent to help pupils understand how to enhance their work. Additionally, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to engage with diverse cultures to broaden their understanding. Leaders are aware of these areas and are working to implement plans that will enhance pupils' cultural awareness and experiences.
Overall, Stonham Aspal Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth while maintaining a strong sense of community and safety.
