Stratford-sub-Castle Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 5 and 6, 2024. The school has established a strong sense of community, where pupils feel welcomed and valued. Staff members take pride in their roles, and parents express unwavering positivity about the school environment, highlighting the warm welcome they receive. High expectations are set for all pupils, starting from Reception Year, where children quickly adapt to classroom routines and demonstrate good manners and politeness. The positive behavior of pupils reflects their understanding of rights and responsibilities, and they engage well during social times, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
The relationships between adults and pupils are characterized by care and support, contributing to a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing their worries. The school's computing curriculum emphasizes online safety, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to navigate the digital world responsibly. Older pupils take on leadership roles, such as leading collective worship, which aligns with the school’s vision of promoting a fulfilling life. The school offers a variety of clubs, including STEM, book club, and multi-sport, which cater to diverse interests and talents.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements, driven by a commitment to providing an ambitious and high-quality education. The newly appointed headteacher has brought clarity and focus, which staff appreciate. The governing board provides appropriate support and challenge to the school. Reading is prioritized, beginning in Reception Year, where children learn to recognize letters and sounds, laying a solid foundation for their reading journey. Staff are skilled in delivering the phonics curriculum and take prompt action to assist any pupils who may fall behind. This approach helps develop fluency and confidence in reading, with older pupils enjoying a wide range of literature.
The curriculum has been thoroughly revised to identify key knowledge that pupils should acquire. In mathematics, children learn to recognize numbers and match them to quantities, enabling them to tackle more complex concepts as they progress. Adaptations are made to ensure that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can access the curriculum alongside their peers. The school effectively uses assessment information in mathematics and phonics to identify knowledge gaps, implementing targeted interventions to address these areas.
However, the assessment practices in some wider curriculum subjects are still developing, which affects pupils' ability to build knowledge sequentially. For instance, in history, pupils struggle with understanding chronology. Despite this, pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, actively participating in discussions and demonstrating curiosity. The school’s curriculum also promotes understanding of the world beyond Stratford-sub-Castle, teaching pupils about tolerance, equality, and the importance of healthy relationships. They learn about world faiths and the democratic process, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. To further improve, the school needs to enhance its assessment practices in wider curriculum subjects to ensure that pupils develop a secure understanding of all areas of learning. Overall, Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School provides a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages pupils to thrive academically and socially.