St Nicolas’ Church of England Combined School in Taplow, Maidenhead, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Parents appreciate the inclusive community, and instances of bullying are rare. When issues arise, pupils are confident in seeking help from trusted adults, and school leaders maintain effective records to ensure concerns are addressed promptly. High expectations are set for all pupils, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere where behavior is commendable, allowing for uninterrupted learning.
The school has designed an ambitious curriculum that outlines key knowledge for pupils from early years through to Year 6. Teachers effectively deliver this curriculum, ensuring that pupils build essential knowledge over time. The staff possess strong subject knowledge and create engaging tasks that enhance pupils’ understanding, particularly in subjects where vocabulary development is emphasized. However, there are instances in some subjects where tasks do not sufficiently deepen pupils’ understanding, leading to inconsistent achievement.
Reading is a priority at St Nicolas’, with a well-structured program in place from Reception onwards. All staff receive appropriate training to support pupils in learning to read, and those who struggle receive timely assistance, ensuring they become fluent readers. The school also effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing suitable adaptations to the curriculum to support their learning alongside their peers.
While assessment practices are strong in many subjects, there are areas where teachers do not consistently check pupils’ understanding of previous learning. This can lead to gaps in knowledge that are not addressed before introducing new content. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that assessment is utilized effectively across the entire curriculum.
Beyond academics, the school prioritizes the wider development of pupils. A variety of clubs are available, and efforts are made to encourage participation from all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds. Assemblies and lessons are designed to instill values of fairness and kindness, fostering a strong sense of right and wrong among pupils. They engage in discussions about current issues, considering various perspectives, which helps them understand the world around them.
The leadership team and governors have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They work collaboratively to enhance the school’s performance, and staff express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders consider their workload and well-being during changes.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. The school has established systems for monitoring safeguarding issues, ensuring that pupils and families receive necessary support. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that tasks in foundation subjects allow pupils to communicate their understanding in greater depth. Additionally, leaders should enhance assessment practices in these subjects to better identify gaps in knowledge and tailor teaching to meet pupils’ needs. Overall, St Nicolas’ Church of England Combined School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
