St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Wymondham has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, moving from a status of requires improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection, conducted from November 5 to 6, 2019, highlighted the positive environment in which pupils thrive. Students are described as happy, well cared for, and proud of their school community. They exhibit good behavior, play well together, and demonstrate politeness and friendliness. The school fosters respect for diverse beliefs, and pupils actively engage in leadership roles, such as play leaders and school council members, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility.
The school’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the curriculum and overall school management. Leaders have a clear vision for future development and work closely with a network of schools to ensure effective training for staff. This support is particularly beneficial for newly qualified teachers, and staff express pride in their work environment. The curriculum is designed to prioritize essential learning outcomes, with particular attention given to subjects like mathematics and history, although there is still work to be done to ensure consistency across all subjects.
Pupils receive a high-quality education, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds. Teachers are committed to maintaining high standards of behavior and instilling respect among students. The curriculum is evolving to help pupils understand the wider world, as evidenced by lessons on historical events such as Remembrance Day. While lessons are generally engaging and tailored to meet pupils' needs, there are instances where staff may do too much for students, hindering their independence.
Mathematics instruction is particularly strong, with teachers effectively using visual aids and practical resources to help pupils grasp new concepts. Reading is also prioritized, with most pupils developing strong reading skills. The school has implemented a new approach to teaching reading comprehension, and staff provide individual support to foster confidence in reading. However, there are occasional mismatches between the reading materials provided and the phonics knowledge of the pupils, which could be improved.
The school’s safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring that pupils feel safe and know how to protect themselves in various situations, including online safety. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding protocols, and there are clear procedures for reporting concerns. The school maintains detailed records of checks on adults working within the institution.
Despite the many strengths, the school has identified areas for improvement. Teachers need to ensure that vocabulary used in lessons is fully understood by pupils to enhance learning effectiveness. Additionally, there is a need for better alignment between the reading materials and the phonics knowledge of students to support their reading fluency. While staff generally possess strong subject knowledge, consistency across all subjects is necessary to address misconceptions and improve pupil achievement. Encouraging greater independence among pupils is also a focus, as fostering a more proactive attitude towards learning will contribute to their personal development.
Overall, St Peter’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with clear pathways for continued improvement and development. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school’s dedication to nurturing a caring and inclusive atmosphere for all students.
