Staplegrove Church School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 19 and 20, 2022. The school integrates Christian values into daily life, providing students with opportunities to understand and embody these principles, which fosters a strong moral framework among pupils. The emphasis on positive relationships is evident, as students learn the importance of friendship, respect, and tolerance. The pastoral support offered by staff is commendable, with educators modeling positive attitudes and maintaining high expectations for student behavior. Recent changes in behavior management have positively impacted the school environment, ensuring that students understand the expectations and consequences of their actions.
The curriculum at Staplegrove Church School is designed to engage students through meaningful resources, visitors, and trips. For instance, recent lessons on world faiths included visits from representatives of the Muslim and Hindu communities, enriching students' understanding of diversity. The school also emphasizes the importance of music and sports, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Leadership changes have led to rapid developments in the curriculum, ensuring it is coherent and well-structured. Reading has been prioritized, with staff receiving high-quality training that enhances their subject knowledge. Younger pupils, including those in early years, benefit from engaging phonics lessons that enable them to develop reading fluency. Resources have been updated to align with the phonics program, supporting students as they transition to independent reading. Older pupils are equipped with various reading strategies applicable across different text types.
Mathematics instruction is broad and encourages problem-solving, with students applying their knowledge in diverse contexts. The school's focus on reasoning has bolstered students' confidence in articulating their thought processes. In the wider curriculum, leaders have carefully sequenced knowledge to aid retention and build on prior learning. However, some subjects still require more consistent implementation to ensure all students acquire the intended knowledge.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with leaders ensuring their needs are accurately identified. Collaboration with external agencies enhances the support provided, although there are areas where teaching could be better adapted to meet these students' needs. This inconsistency can hinder some pupils' progress through the curriculum.
Pupils at Staplegrove Church School develop a solid understanding of modern British values, including awareness of protected characteristics and the significance of equality. They feel that the school promotes an environment of equal treatment. The leadership team has effectively established a supportive atmosphere, with staff expressing pride in their work and high morale despite staffing changes.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a culture of safety embedded throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to concerns, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported. The school engages effectively with external agencies to provide timely assistance to students and families.
To improve, the school must focus on ensuring that all subject curriculums are implemented consistently to fill gaps in pupils' knowledge. Additionally, teaching strategies for pupils with special educational needs should be refined to enhance their learning experiences. Overall, Staplegrove Church School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its students.
