Uppingham Church of England Primary School is recognized for its nurturing and supportive environment, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents express high satisfaction with the assistance their children receive. The school promotes high expectations for student achievement and behavior, with most pupils meeting these standards. The school's ethos revolves around being ready, respectful, and safe, which pupils understand and appreciate. They enjoy a calm and orderly learning atmosphere, feeling secure and supported by their teachers. Positive relationships between staff and students contribute to a conducive learning environment.
Pupils engage well with one another and participate in various activities during playtime and lunchtime. The school offers numerous clubs, including football, netball, gardening, and choir, which many students attend. Leaders prioritize student well-being, providing support through initiatives like the chatty club and calm club, which help students manage their worries. Some pupils serve as well-being buddies, offering peer support.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured across all subjects, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively present new information, using retrieval activities to reinforce learning. This approach helps students build knowledge over time, leading to good achievement in most subjects. However, assessment practices in some foundation subjects are still developing, which can hinder the identification of misconceptions and gaps in learning.
The school has made strides in enhancing writing skills by adapting the English curriculum to clarify how writing will be developed. While some teachers effectively implement this, consistency is lacking, with some not enforcing correct punctuation and grammar, resulting in repeated errors in students' work. Consequently, some pupils do not achieve their full potential in writing.
Reading is a priority, with staff well-trained in phonics instruction. The phonics scheme is delivered effectively, ensuring that reading materials align with students' phonetic knowledge. Daily reading sessions across all classes foster confidence and fluency in reading. The early years curriculum is well-planned, with activities tailored to curriculum goals and children's interests, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Leaders have effectively identified the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing teachers with the necessary information to support these students. This targeted approach allows most pupils with SEND to achieve well. Pupils generally exhibit good behavior and positive attitudes toward learning, with staff addressing conduct issues fairly.
The school emphasizes broader development, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and lifestyles while instilling fundamental British values. Students participate in various trips and activities, enhancing their educational experience. The leadership team is effective, with staff expressing pride in their work and appreciation for the consideration of their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with clear procedures in place. Leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding matters and maintain strong relationships with external agencies to support pupils in need. Pupils receive education on safety, including road safety and online safety, ensuring they know whom to approach with concerns.
To improve, the school should enhance the use of assessment in foundation subjects to better identify learning gaps and misconceptions. Additionally, ensuring that all teachers consistently address punctuation and grammar errors will help improve the quality of pupils' writing. Overall, Uppingham Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its students.
