St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. The school fosters a strong community ethos, with leaders setting high expectations for pupil achievement. From the early years, children are encouraged to develop a love for learning and engage actively in their education. This commitment to learning results in pupils achieving well across most areas of the curriculum. The school emphasizes the values of respect, responsibility, and resilience, which pupils embody in their behavior and interactions. They take pride in their achievements and aspire to reach the ‘star level’ of recognition. The respectful conduct among pupils and towards adults is notable, with rare instances of bullying, which are promptly addressed by school leaders.
Pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, participating in clubs such as musical theatre, dance, and forest school, where they learn resilience and safety skills. Parents express strong support for the school, highlighting its dedication and inclusivity, with many noting that their children are thriving in this environment. The school’s leadership is well-informed about effective curriculum design, having developed an ambitious program that outlines essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary for pupils. The early years curriculum is particularly well-structured, providing children with a solid foundation for their future learning.
In subjects where the curriculum is fully embedded, such as science, pupils demonstrate a deep understanding by making connections in their learning. Leaders closely monitor pupil progress across all subjects, allowing for timely support for those who need it, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most teachers exhibit secure subject knowledge and design activities that build understanding over time. They adapt tasks for pupils with additional needs, ensuring accessibility to the curriculum. Various strategies are employed to assess pupil knowledge and retention, particularly in mathematics, where retrieval questions and ‘maths passports’ are effectively used.
Reading is a priority at St Botolph’s, with initiatives promoting reading throughout the school day. Pupils are eager to read during playtime and enjoy storytime with their teachers, which broadens their reading experiences and fosters a love for literature. Early reading instruction is effective, supported by staff training and daily practice with appropriately leveled books. Struggling readers receive prompt assistance, ensuring they develop fluency.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with positive attitudes towards learning evident in all lessons. They understand the importance of respect and friendship, celebrating diversity and sharing their cultures. Pupils actively engage in community service, raising funds for charities and supporting local initiatives, which parents appreciate as it contributes to their development as caring individuals.
The school’s leadership, including trust leaders and governors, shares a commitment to the pupils' success while being mindful of staff well-being. Staff express appreciation for the training and support they receive, contributing to a dedicated and proud team. Safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils knowledgeable about safety, including online safety. Leaders maintain a strong safeguarding culture, providing ongoing training for staff and ensuring prompt action on concerns.
To further improve, the school needs to address areas where teachers' subject knowledge is less secure, ensuring that all subjects are taught effectively to enhance pupil learning. Overall, St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
