Sproughton Church of England Primary School recently underwent a short inspection by Ofsted, which took place on January 29, 2019. This inspection was the first since the school was previously judged to be good in November 2014, and the results reaffirmed that the school continues to uphold this standard.
Under the guidance of Headteacher Mrs. Jane Stalham, the leadership team has effectively maintained the quality of education since the last inspection. Mrs. Stalham, who took up her post in September 2018, collaborated with the head of school improvement from the multi-academy trust to create a clear and effective school improvement plan. This plan has identified key areas for development and implemented swift actions to enhance teaching and learning throughout the school.
The school's ethos, encapsulated in the motto let your light shine, is evident in the positive relationships among staff and pupils. During the inspection, pupils demonstrated exemplary behavior and a strong engagement in their learning. Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of respondents in the Ofsted Parent View survey recommending the school to others. Parents expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching, the safety of their children, and the valuable information provided by the school.
The trust and governors are well-acquainted with the school, offering valuable support while ensuring that Sproughton retains its unique identity. The school improvement adviser has facilitated professional development opportunities for staff, enabling them to enhance their teaching practices.
Sproughton Church of England Primary School offers a well-rounded curriculum that exposes pupils to various beliefs, cultures, and religions. A recent assembly on the Holocaust was conducted in an age-appropriate manner, prompting thoughtful discussions among pupils. The school council expressed pride in their school, emphasizing the friendly environment fostered within.
While teaching quality remains good, the inspection noted a slight decline in attainment in some areas during 2018. However, this was attributed to small cohort sizes, which can significantly impact percentage outcomes. Leaders are committed to ensuring that the best teaching practices are consistently applied to challenge all pupils effectively.
Safeguarding measures at the school are robust, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained safeguarding leaders. Pupils feel supported and confident in discussing any issues they may encounter, including online safety.
The inspection highlighted three key areas for improvement: ensuring that pupils are consistently challenged in their learning, sharing best practices across the school, and maintaining high outcomes across all areas. Leaders are actively working to address these areas, with a focus on improving phonics instruction and ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged.
In conclusion, Sproughton Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with strong leadership and a supportive community. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for improvement, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
