St Francis of Assisi Church of England Primary School, located in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on November 8 and 9, 2023, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, while behaviour and attitudes were rated as outstanding.
The headteacher, Louise Probets, leads the school, which is part of the Dales Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Damian Chubb and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Ferguson. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at St Francis of Assisi are reported to be happy and eager to learn, demonstrating exceptional attitudes both in the classroom and throughout the school. They understand the expectations for good behaviour and strive to meet them, showing politeness and respect towards others. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils actively participate in lessons, displaying enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.
The curriculum is carefully designed, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support to access the curriculum effectively. The school emphasizes the importance of knowing and remembering more of the curriculum, which has led to many pupils achieving well. However, there are instances where the intended curriculum is not delivered consistently, and some pupils may not have enough opportunities to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
In the early years, staff model spoken language effectively to enhance children's vocabulary and create opportunities for exploration. However, there are times when the rationale for certain tasks is not clearly communicated, which can hinder meaningful learning experiences. The school is committed to ensuring that all tasks are linked to the planned curriculum.
Pupils learn to read well through a phonics programme developed by the school. Staff are trained to deliver this programme effectively, and children in the nursery are introduced to sound identification, preparing them for formal phonics lessons in Reception. The school takes proactive measures to identify pupils who may be falling behind in their reading and provides additional support to help them catch up.
Behaviour at the school is managed effectively, with a well-understood behaviour system in place. Disruptions to learning are rare, and staff respond promptly to any incidents of poor behaviour. Pupils show respect for each other's differences and demonstrate a mature understanding of diverse lifestyles. The school also focuses on attendance, implementing strategies to support pupils at risk of falling behind due to low attendance.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, covering topics such as healthy relationships and staying safe. Pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain, benefiting from educational visits and extracurricular activities. The school has a strong focus on staff development, with many opportunities provided by the trust.
Overall, the inspection highlighted the school's strengths in fostering a positive learning environment and supporting pupil development. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent delivery of the curriculum and clarity in task rationale in the early years. The school is committed to addressing these areas to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
