St James Church of England Primary School in Northampton underwent an inspection on October 5 and 6, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at the school enjoy their lessons and demonstrate a strong desire to learn. They engage positively with one another and appreciate the care provided by the staff. The school prioritizes mental health and well-being, fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel motivated and safe. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, and expectations for behavior are high. Pupils generally behave well and report that bullying is not tolerated, contributing to a positive school atmosphere.
The school has developed an effective curriculum in several subjects, clearly outlining what pupils should learn from Nursery through to the end of key stage two. However, some subjects, including personal, social, health, and economic education, are still in the early stages of development, lacking explicit content and knowledge requirements. Reading is a key focus, with a systematic approach to teaching phonics and vocabulary development from the early years. Staff are well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills, ensuring that books are matched to their learning levels.
Mathematics is well-organized, allowing pupils to build their knowledge and skills effectively. Teachers have a clear understanding of the curriculum and use questioning techniques to enhance learning. However, there is a need for a more consistent approach to assessment across the school, as teachers do not routinely check pupils' understanding, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
The early years provision is strong, with positive relationships between children and adults. The learning environment is engaging, and there is a clear connection between early learning and subsequent education. Nevertheless, leaders have yet to fully outline the knowledge children should acquire in all areas of learning.
Opportunities for extracurricular activities were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the school is working to increase these opportunities. Pupils have participated in various events, including collaborations with the Royal Marines and educational activities that promote career awareness. The school also offers a range of sports and plans to introduce additional clubs.
Trust leaders are knowledgeable about the school's operations and play a vital role in supporting and holding leaders accountable. They ensure that the curriculum is developed effectively and that staff well-being is considered. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of care evident throughout the school. Staff are well-trained and vigilant in identifying and addressing concerns, ensuring that pupils understand how to stay safe.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the planning and sequencing of its curriculum in certain subjects, such as PSHE, computing, and design technology. Additionally, teachers should implement more rigorous assessment practices to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and inform future learning. Overall, St James Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
