St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School, located in Wolverhampton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils from diverse ethnic backgrounds collaborate and socialize effectively. Students express enjoyment in their school experience and demonstrate regular attendance. They feel secure knowing they can approach trusted adults with any concerns, contributing to a safe atmosphere. The leadership team is deeply committed to the welfare and success of the pupils, encapsulated in the school’s motto, “A Better Start for a Finer Finish.” This commitment is evident in the additional support provided through catch-up sessions held twice weekly, which all pupils willingly attend.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students treating each other and staff with respect. They engage earnestly in lessons and take pride in their work. The school effectively addresses any incidents of bullying, ensuring that disputes are resolved promptly. The school has received numerous prestigious awards in various curriculum areas, including computing, science, and sports, enhancing the overall school experience. Extracurricular activities, such as clubs and school events, further enrich pupils' enjoyment and contribute to good attendance rates.
Staff morale is notably high, with teachers appreciating the well-being initiatives introduced by senior leaders. The collaborative team environment fosters a supportive atmosphere, allowing staff to focus on their teaching responsibilities. The school’s curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively. However, the curriculum primarily begins in Year 1 for most subjects, which means that the early years curriculum does not fully align with the overall school plans, particularly in mathematics and science.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation in reading, writing, and numeracy, with staff maintaining high expectations and minimizing wasted time. Nursery staff provide targeted support to develop essential skills, and children in Reception thrive in a stimulating environment. The school prioritizes reading, ensuring daily practice and effective phonics instruction tailored to individual abilities. However, there is a need for greater parental engagement in home reading practices to strengthen the home-school partnership.
The mathematics curriculum is well-organized, with ongoing support and training for teachers enhancing instructional quality. Pupils regularly practice their arithmetic skills, and any learning gaps from the pandemic are addressed in after-school sessions. While pupils’ work reflects careful sequencing of content, there is a tendency for staff to impose excessive structure on tasks, limiting opportunities for independent presentation of work.
Pupils with special educational needs are identified early, allowing for timely support. They benefit from additional sessions in core subjects, ensuring they make expected progress. The school offers a range of enriching opportunities, including music lessons and sports events, which extend learning beyond the classroom. Pupils demonstrate good behavior, adhering to the school’s behavior policy and showing respect for diverse backgrounds.
Governors and trustees maintain a close relationship with school leaders, providing appropriate challenges to ensure high standards. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff training equips them to recognize signs of abuse, and clear processes are in place for reporting concerns. Pupils learn about safety, including online risks, through the curriculum and school activities.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the early years curriculum aligns with the key stage one curriculum, enhancing continuity in learning. Additionally, staff should encourage greater independence in pupils’ work presentation and strengthen the home-school partnership to support pupil progress. Overall, St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
