St John’s CofE Primary School in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The school has established a positive environment where pupils are happy and engaged in their learning. Leaders have set high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, which has contributed to the overall success of the school. The Christian ethos is central to the school’s culture, fostering a sense of community and shared values among pupils and staff.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior, demonstrating attentiveness in lessons and maintaining positive relationships with their teachers. During social times, they interact well with peers, enjoying their time together. Instances of bullying are rare, and the school has implemented an effective anti-bullying strategy, supported by student ambassadors who help identify and address issues promptly.
The curriculum at St John’s has been significantly enhanced, particularly in reading and mathematics, where it is well-structured. Leaders have clearly outlined what pupils should learn across various subjects, although there is still work to be done to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are clearly defined and that pupils retain knowledge over time. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and residential trips, which contribute to the personal development of pupils.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and other leaders, has a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They have focused their efforts on enhancing key areas of the school’s operations. While most staff align with the leaders’ vision, there are some who remain uncertain about the changes being implemented. This disconnect can affect the overall morale and collective commitment to the school’s improvement journey.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, starting from the early years. Children learn phonics from Reception, and staff regularly assess their understanding to provide appropriate support. This approach has led to strong progress in reading, particularly for pupils who initially faced challenges. In mathematics, teachers effectively use assessment strategies to identify gaps in knowledge and tailor the curriculum to meet pupils’ needs, resulting in good progress in this subject as well.
In other subjects, while leaders have utilized the national curriculum to guide learning, there is a need for more precise identification of the smaller learning objectives that build towards the overall curriculum goals. This lack of clarity can hinder some pupils' ability to connect ideas and retain information. Additionally, not all teachers consistently check for understanding before moving on to new content, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
The school has established effective safeguarding measures, ensuring that all staff undergo appropriate checks and receive regular training. Staff are well-informed about reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns, and the school maintains accurate records to ensure timely support for pupils in need.
To further improve, leaders should focus on clearly defining the smaller components of learning in foundation subjects and ensuring that teachers systematically check for understanding. Engaging all staff in the rationale behind changes will also be crucial for fostering a unified vision for the school’s future. Overall, St John’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
