St George’s Church of England Primary School in Semington, Wiltshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school has a strong emphasis on its core values of courage, friendship, honesty, respect, forgiveness, and kindness, which are well understood and embraced by the pupils. This positive environment fosters polite, caring, and inclusive behavior among students, as noted by parents who commend the kindness exhibited by the children.
The leadership and staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils engage positively with one another during playtime, supported by play ambassadors who organize games. The relationships between pupils and adults are characterized by mutual respect and support, contributing to a safe and happy school environment. Pupils express confidence in the adults available to address any concerns, asserting that bullying is not an issue at the school.
The curriculum is well-structured and designed to promote the development of caring and thoughtful citizens. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the needs of others and actively participate in charitable activities, such as contributing to food banks and fundraising for various causes. The school has made significant strides in improving the quality of education, with leaders demonstrating ambition for pupil achievement. The consistent approach to teaching phonics has been prioritized, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support to develop their reading skills from an early age.
In mathematics, the curriculum is sequenced effectively, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. Younger pupils are supported in recognizing numbers, while older pupils revisit and practice essential number facts, enabling them to apply this knowledge in more complex tasks. The art curriculum inspires creativity, with pupils learning various techniques and expressing pride in their artistic work.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in monitoring the effectiveness of the wider curriculum. Leaders have not had sufficient time to assess how well pupils are progressing in certain subjects, leading to gaps in knowledge for some students. For instance, while younger pupils are exposed to a range of drawing techniques, older pupils may not have had the same opportunities, resulting in a lack of foundational skills.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in school life, with staff demonstrating a clear understanding of their needs and adapting learning accordingly. This inclusive approach allows these pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve success.
While the school has made efforts to improve attendance, there is still room for growth. Some groups of pupils do not attend regularly enough, and leaders need to enhance their monitoring processes to address this issue effectively. Pupils are given opportunities to develop leadership skills through various roles, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for others.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture established to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained to identify and report potential concerns, ensuring that pupils receive timely support. The curriculum also addresses safety awareness, including online safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to report any issues.
In summary, St George’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum monitoring and attendance, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable, with a strong foundation for continued growth and success.
