St Lawrence Church of England Primary School, located in Lechlade, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 24 and 25, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are polite, courteous, and caring, embodying the Christian values of friendship. High attendance rates reflect the enjoyment pupils find in their school experience. The positive learning attitudes demonstrated by the pupils stem from the high expectations set by teachers, who provide effective support for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strong relationships between pupils and adults contribute to a supportive atmosphere. Pupils engage well with their peers, regardless of age, and the majority exhibit good behavior. While some pupils require additional assistance to meet expectations, leaders ensure they receive the necessary support. Pupils report a lack of bullying and are aware of whom to approach with concerns. Many pupils take on responsibilities, such as being buddies for younger students or participating in the school council, and they appreciate the variety of extracurricular clubs available.
Parents generally express appreciation for the care and support their children receive, with many highlighting the school's strong values. The leadership team, including staff and governors, is ambitious for every pupil and has developed a well-structured curriculum that begins in the early years. However, some subjects are still in the process of being fully integrated. Leaders and teachers are actively addressing knowledge gaps that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teachers are well-informed about their pupils, allowing them to plan lessons that build on prior knowledge effectively. The identification of pupils with special educational needs is accurate, and staff are equipped with the necessary training to provide appropriate support. A new phonics teaching method has been introduced, which is being implemented consistently. However, pupils sometimes struggle to apply their phonics knowledge in writing, affecting their spelling accuracy. Support is provided for early years and Year 1 pupils who face challenges in reading, with regular catch-up sessions to enhance their fluency.
Mathematics instruction is strong, with teachers demonstrating a clear understanding of the content required for pupil success. Pupils enjoy mathematics and are developing their knowledge effectively, applying their skills accurately in problem-solving tasks. In music, pupils participate enthusiastically but often struggle to recall prior learning in detail, a challenge that is also present in other subjects. Leaders are working on new assessment systems to help teachers evaluate pupils' retention of knowledge.
The school excels in promoting pupils' wider development, including their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural growth. Opportunities for representation in local events are provided, and there is a strong emphasis on social and emotional support, particularly for pupils from armed forces families. Staff appreciate the professional development support from leaders, noting that expectations are realistic and workloads manageable.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture of vigilance established to ensure pupil safety. Staff receive regular training to address safeguarding concerns, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to support families. Pupils are knowledgeable about safety, both in person and online, and know how to report any worries.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that pupils consistently apply their phonics knowledge in writing to enhance spelling accuracy. Additionally, in some subjects, the sequence of learning requires further embedding to aid pupils' recall of prior knowledge. Leaders should focus on using assessments to accurately gauge what pupils have remembered and can do across the curriculum.
