Old Stratford Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The pupils express positive sentiments about their school experience, enjoying their learning environment and demonstrating good behavior. The school leadership maintains high expectations for student conduct, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. The atmosphere throughout the school is calm and polite, with students forming positive relationships with teachers and staff. The school promotes an understanding of diversity, fostering respect for differences among individuals. Pupils feel welcomed and report that instances of bullying are rare, trusting that their teachers will address any issues promptly. Parents also affirm that their children are happy and safe at the school.
The curriculum at Old Stratford Primary School is broad and ambitious, designed to help all pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school offers specialist lessons in music and French, and pupils benefit from various trips and extracurricular activities that enhance their learning experiences. The school emphasizes the importance of preparing students to be global citizens, equipping them for future educational endeavors. The school council provides pupils with a sense of pride and responsibility.
Leaders have crafted ambitious curriculums across all subjects, clearly outlining learning objectives to deepen pupils' knowledge over time. However, in a few subjects, there is still work to be done to precisely define the knowledge that pupils should acquire. Leaders are aware of this and are committed to making improvements. In mathematics, teachers effectively support pupils in developing a deep understanding of concepts, utilizing diverse resources to enhance learning. Early years pupils show enthusiasm for learning about numbers and patterns, and students across the school collaborate well, sharing their reasoning confidently.
In music lessons, pupils engage with various instruments and learn to compose and perform their own music. The music teacher is well-acquainted with the students, facilitating their skill development. Additionally, pupils have opportunities to join the school choir and rock band. The school prioritizes reading, with leaders emphasizing the need for pupils to learn to read effectively. Phonics instruction begins early, and additional support is provided for those who struggle with reading. The reading curriculum is designed to help all pupils read fluently and enjoyably.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and create engaging activities that motivate pupils. While most students are eager to participate, some may lack confidence in volunteering answers. Teachers need to ensure that they check the understanding of all pupils, particularly those who are less likely to contribute verbally. Leaders are dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same lessons as their peers and encouraging their independence.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff well-trained to recognize and address concerns. Leaders take pupil safety seriously, responding promptly to any issues and maintaining detailed records. They also educate pupils on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To enhance the quality of education further, teachers need to consistently check the learning of all pupils and address any misconceptions. Additionally, leaders must ensure that curriculum plans clearly identify the knowledge pupils should learn and how teachers can assess that learning. Overall, Old Stratford Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement.
