Stogursey Church of England Primary School, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, underwent an inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving the same rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
Pupils at Stogursey Primary School exhibit kindness and consideration towards one another, fostering a positive school environment. They express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe, attributing this sense of security to the caring nature of the staff. The school has established a supportive atmosphere where pupils can voice their concerns and seek help from staff in a designated area known as the ‘cosy cottage.’ The leadership has prioritized creating an inclusive ethos, building strong relationships with pupils and their families, and encouraging participation in community events.
Despite the positive social interactions among pupils, the school faces challenges in the curriculum. Recent changes have not fully realized the intended ambition, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of education across various subjects. Some areas of the curriculum are not fully developed or implemented, resulting in insufficient support for pupils to build their subject knowledge effectively. Additionally, leaders lack a comprehensive overview of the curriculum's effectiveness in certain subjects, which, combined with staffing challenges, has slowed the pace of improvement.
In the early years, children make a strong start, with clearly defined learning objectives and well-chosen resources that support teaching. Adults effectively engage children by incorporating their interests into learning activities. Children enjoy sharing books and participating in songs and rhymes, preparing them well for their transition into primary school. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with staff understanding their specific needs and collaborating with external agencies to provide tailored assistance.
The reading curriculum is introduced early, but not all staff are adequately trained to implement it effectively. This has resulted in some pupils not acquiring the necessary skills to read proficiently in a timely manner. Furthermore, there is a lack of identification for pupils who require additional support to catch up. While older pupils express enthusiasm for reading and enjoy discussing their favorite authors, the school must enhance its reading instruction to ensure all pupils develop confidence and competence in reading.
The school excels in providing opportunities for personal development, with all pupils learning a musical instrument and engaging in diverse activities that promote skills such as cooking and map-reading. Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, demonstrating maturity in discussions about democracy and the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints. They understand the significance of rules in both school and society, making connections between school regulations and the rule of law.
Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, and staff members appreciate the support provided to manage their workload. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding evident throughout the school. Staff and governors receive regular training, enabling them to identify and address concerns promptly. Pupils learn about safety, including online safety, as part of their curriculum.
To improve, the school must ensure that the reading curriculum is consistently taught effectively and that all pupils receive the necessary support to develop their reading skills. Additionally, leaders need to fully develop and implement the curriculum across all subjects to enhance pupils' subject knowledge incrementally.
