Earley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, located in Reading, Berkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 14 and 15, 2021. The school fosters an environment where pupils enjoy their education, demonstrating enthusiasm for their lessons and actively engaging in extracurricular opportunities. The staff cultivate warm and caring relationships with students, which, alongside the school’s strong Christian ethos, contributes to a sense of safety and well-being among pupils.
The leadership team and staff maintain high expectations for all students, implementing a broad and engaging curriculum designed to motivate learners and facilitate their success. The school’s approach to behavior management is effective, with clear routines that promote a calm and orderly atmosphere. Pupils contribute to this positive environment by taking on roles such as play leaders, and they report that instances of bullying are infrequent. When issues arise, adults respond promptly and effectively.
Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the nurturing environment provided by the school. Parents have highlighted the kindness and understanding shown by staff, particularly during periods of home learning. The school has developed an effective curriculum that is well-structured, ensuring that pupils know what they need to learn and the sequence in which they will learn it. This clarity supports the development of knowledge and skills across all year groups.
Teachers often create meaningful connections between subjects, although some staff members exhibit less confidence in teaching certain subjects due to varying levels of subject expertise. The school has established effective methods for assessing pupil progress and understanding individual needs, particularly for those requiring additional support. The commitment to teaching reading is evident, with a strong focus on developing reading skills from an early age. Teachers ensure that pupils are engaged with a variety of texts that align with their learning objectives, fostering confidence and fluency in reading.
The curriculum is inclusive, catering effectively to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. These students are fully integrated into lessons and achieve commendable results, supported by knowledgeable teaching assistants who understand their specific needs. The school emphasizes the importance of good behavior in lessons, allowing for uninterrupted learning. Pupils are attentive, hardworking, and respectful, taking pride in their work, which is reflected in the high quality of their presentation across subjects.
Beyond academics, the school provides opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, healthy relationships, and nutritious choices. They engage with diverse cultures and religions, and some students serve as learning ambassadors to assist their peers. The school council allows pupils to voice their suggestions for improvement, fostering a sense of community involvement.
Leaders maintain high expectations for staff and demonstrate a clear understanding of the school’s improvement needs. Staff report feeling supported and valued, with open lines of communication regarding their concerns. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with well-trained staff who recognize the signs of neglect or abuse and know how to report concerns. Leaders are diligent in their safeguarding responsibilities, collaborating with external professionals when necessary to ensure pupil safety.
To enhance the school further, leaders should focus on identifying areas where teachers’ subject knowledge can be strengthened, particularly in subjects beyond English and mathematics. This targeted professional development will help ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. Overall, Earley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
