Church Eaton Primary School, located in Staffordshire, was inspected on March 19 and 20, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrates good performance in areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, David Baker, leads the school, which is part of the Staffordshire Universities Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Dr. James Capper and a board of trustees chaired by Mary Walker.
Upon entering the school, one can sense a strong community atmosphere. Pupils are friendly, cheerful, and well-mannered, taking pride in their school. They appreciate the support from staff and feel safe, knowing they can share any concerns with adults in the school. The new headteacher is implementing necessary improvements, fostering high ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, some pupils are not achieving their full potential due to weaknesses in curriculum delivery, resulting in gaps in their knowledge.
Pupils exhibit respectful behavior, adhering to school rules and demonstrating respect towards staff and peers. They engage cooperatively during playtime and are aware of what constitutes bullying, reporting incidents when they occur, confident that staff will address them promptly. Attendance is generally high, with pupils rarely absent. The school offers a variety of experiences, including trips funded by a local charity, and all pupils participate in ‘Solution Circles’ to contribute to school improvements.
The school has made positive changes to its curriculum, particularly in subjects like computing, which are delivered effectively. However, further development is needed in other subjects, such as mathematics, where the curriculum is not fully implemented. This has led to gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly in foundational areas like number facts. Additionally, the school has not ensured that pupils develop their vocabulary over time, which hinders their ability to articulate their learning and deepen their understanding.
Reading is prioritized at Church Eaton Primary School, with staff well-trained to deliver a consistent phonics program. Pupils are introduced to a variety of texts, and reading activities are designed to enhance comprehension skills. Initiatives such as the library bus and reading buddies promote a love of reading among students. In the early years, children thrive in a language-rich environment, enjoying engaging activities that build on their existing knowledge.
The school effectively identifies pupils' additional needs early on, ensuring that those with special educational needs receive appropriate support. Disadvantaged pupils follow the same curriculum as their peers, benefiting from a personal development program integrated throughout the curriculum. Pupils actively contribute to school life, taking on various roles and responsibilities, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs that are well-attended.
Staff at the school demonstrate a strong team spirit and commitment to improving pupils' lives. Governors and trustees possess a solid understanding of how to support and challenge the school effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must fully develop and implement the curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that pupils build their subject knowledge and vocabulary over time. The mathematics curriculum requires more detail to address gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly in foundational skills. The school should focus on enhancing pupils' vocabulary to enable them to articulate their learning more effectively.
