St Giles Church of England Primary School, located in Matlock, Derbyshire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The headteacher, Ben O’Connell, leads the school, which is part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Dr. Sarah Clark and a board of trustees chaired by Sarah Charles. The school is characterized by its small size and inclusive environment, fostering a strong commitment to the success of all pupils. Following a period of instability, the school has stabilized since joining a local partnership of schools, which has strengthened its leadership and curriculum.
The school has raised its expectations regarding pupil behavior, promoting values such as calmness, kindness, and mindfulness during activities like circle time. Pupils are encouraged to support one another in adhering to these expectations throughout the school day. They demonstrate good listening skills and a willingness to try their best in lessons, as well as kindness during sporting activities. Opportunities for pupils to engage in school life include roles such as school councillors, librarians, and sports leaders. Many pupils participate in extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, gardening club, and choir, and they enjoy participating in sporting events with peers from partner schools.
Parents generally express satisfaction with the school, appreciating the care and commitment shown by the staff. The school has implemented a broad and engaging curriculum, identifying key knowledge for pupils to learn from early years onward. The curriculum is sequenced clearly, making lessons interesting and improving pupil achievement. However, as many changes are recent, some curriculum plans are being taught for the first time, and the impact on published outcomes is not yet fully evident. Nevertheless, current pupils are benefiting from the new curriculum, with younger pupils demonstrating knowledge of number bonds and older pupils showing increasing fluency in mathematics.
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and effectively model learning, emphasizing important vocabulary and revisiting previous content. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, enabling them to achieve well. Reading is prioritized, with a new phonics program leading to significant improvements. Staff monitor pupil progress closely, ensuring that all pupils read regularly to their teachers and are exposed to a variety of texts.
The school emphasizes the importance of regular attendance, providing extra support and encouragement to families. This focus has led to improvements in attendance and behavior, although a small number of pupils occasionally struggle to meet expectations. The curriculum for broader pupil development is being refined, with activities designed to build resilience and promote healthy relationships. However, not all pupils have yet developed an age-appropriate understanding of fundamental British values.
Staff at the school are proud to work there, and leaders are considerate of their well-being. The support from subject leaders within the local partnership helps manage workloads effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to refine its curriculum plans to allow pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the content being taught. Additionally, while the new behavior policy has been welcomed, there are instances where staff do not address poor behavior swiftly enough, which can disrupt learning. The approach to teaching British values also requires further development to ensure all pupils acquire an appropriate understanding of these key concepts. Overall, St Giles Church of England Primary School is making significant strides in its educational provision while recognizing areas for continued growth.
