Sutton Benger Church of England Primary School, located in Wiltshire, was inspected on November 1 and 2, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Becca Hine, leads the school, which is part of The Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Stephen Mitchell and a board of trustees chaired by Nigel Daniel.
The school fosters a warm and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and listened to. Staff create a supportive atmosphere, encouraging students to approach trusted adults with any problems. The school promotes values such as forgiveness, respect, perseverance, integrity, responsibility, and compassion, which are reflected in the pupils' attitudes. Students feel safe and are confident that any incidents of bullying will be addressed promptly by staff. High expectations for behaviour are maintained, resulting in a positive learning environment with minimal distractions.
Sutton Benger Primary School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and leadership opportunities, allowing pupils to engage fully in school life and the wider community. Parental support for the school is strong, with many praising the dedication of the staff.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to build on prior learning, with well-structured and sequenced plans in most subjects. This approach helps pupils retain knowledge over time. For instance, Year 5 students effectively apply their understanding of place value in mathematics. However, some subjects lack clarity regarding essential vocabulary and knowledge that pupils need to learn, which can hinder their progress.
Staff effectively monitor pupil learning in most subjects, quickly addressing misconceptions in reading and mathematics. This responsive approach deepens pupils' understanding. Nonetheless, in certain subjects, assessment practices are not utilized effectively, leading to unaddressed errors and misconceptions.
Reading is a priority at the school, with children in Reception starting their reading journey immediately. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, and staff teach phonics skillfully, ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds taught. Pupils receive additional support if they fall behind, enabling them to become confident and fluent readers. They enjoy discussing books that introduce various social issues, fostering empathy and understanding.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in the curriculum, with staff working closely with parents to meet individual needs. The school adapts the curriculum effectively to support these pupils' learning.
In the early years, children learn to listen and follow instructions, with consistent expectations carried through their schooling. The school actively works to improve attendance by identifying trends and engaging with parents about absences.
Sutton Benger Primary School provides numerous opportunities for pupils' broader development, teaching them to appreciate diverse beliefs and challenge discrimination. The school emphasizes online safety through its curriculum.
The academy council and trust have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They monitor the effectiveness of the school's actions and fulfill their statutory duties. Staff feel supported in their roles and take pride in their work at the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sutton Benger Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to enhance its curriculum by clearly identifying essential content and improving assessment practices across all subjects to further support pupil learning.
