Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Shottery St Andrew’s CofE Primary School on 10 October 2023, following its designation of serious weaknesses in December 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made since the previous inspection and to identify improvements in the school’s overall effectiveness. The headteacher, Louise Withers, who joined the school in April 2023, has made significant strides in addressing the areas for improvement identified in the last report. She has established a clear and ambitious vision for the school, which has been communicated effectively to staff, pupils, governors, and parents.
The leadership team has focused on enhancing the quality of education provided to all pupils. Although progress has been made, the inspection noted that further work is required for the school to no longer be classified as having serious weaknesses. The improvements initiated have primarily been driven by a small number of staff, indicating that leadership capacity is still developing.
A new program aimed at improving early reading instruction has been implemented, with all staff receiving training to deliver high-quality lessons. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and follow a structured approach to phonics, allowing pupils to practice reading and writing. However, the implementation of phonics varies, and when the pace of lessons is slow, some pupils become disengaged, affecting their progress.
The curriculum has been reshaped across all subjects, with subject leaders given time to monitor implementation and impact. Staff have participated in training and have observed practices in other schools to enhance their teaching strategies, particularly for mixed-aged classes. While a clear curriculum structure is in place, further work is needed to define the specific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils will learn as they progress through the school.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff training has improved teachers' ability to adapt learning opportunities and implement effective strategies for these pupils. The commitment to enhancing provision in this area is evident, with time allocated for the coordinator to attend relevant training and focus on improving support.
Behaviour within the school has shown improvement, attributed to the implementation of a revised behaviour policy. Expectations for pupil behaviour have been raised, and staff consistently apply the policy. Pupils understand the school’s rules and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. Monitoring systems have been established to track behaviour patterns, allowing for early intervention when necessary. Attendance has also improved, with persistent absence rates decreasing, particularly among vulnerable pupils.
Governors have demonstrated strong support for the school, actively seeking assistance from the local authority and responding to previous inspection findings. Their involvement in monitoring school performance has increased, leading to a more focused approach to school improvement. Staff feel valued and appreciate the direction provided by the headteacher, contributing to a supportive school culture.
Safeguarding practices have been strengthened, with regular training for staff and a robust system for tracking concerns about pupils at risk. While improvements have been made, there is still a need for greater clarity in documenting actions taken following reports of concerns. The school has engaged with the local authority to enhance its practices and has benefited from external support in various areas, including safeguarding and governance.
Overall, while Shottery St Andrew’s CofE Primary School has made commendable progress since the last inspection, continued efforts are necessary to address remaining weaknesses and ensure sustained improvement in the quality of education provided to all pupils.
