St Paul’s CofE Primary School in Utkinton and Cotebrook has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in December 2020. The inspection, conducted on 11 and 12 July 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school is characterized by its small class sizes, which foster a supportive learning environment where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, thrive academically and socially.
Pupils at St Paul’s enjoy a positive school experience, often describing it as a family-like atmosphere. They respond well to the high expectations set by staff, which contributes to their overall good behaviour in classrooms and during playtime. The school has effective measures in place to address any behavioural challenges, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Incidents of bullying are addressed promptly, reinforcing a culture of trust between pupils and staff. The school promotes a range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to engage in sports and community projects, which enhances their personal development and sense of belonging.
The leadership team has made significant strides in refining the curriculum to ensure it is ambitious and tailored to the needs of each pupil. Most subjects have a clear structure that allows pupils to build their knowledge progressively. However, some pupils still experience gaps in their learning due to weaknesses in the previous curriculum. This has resulted in a need for targeted support to help these pupils catch up and solidify their understanding before moving on to new concepts.
Reading is a strong focus at St Paul’s, with children in the early years showing enthusiasm for stories and rhymes. The school employs a consistent phonics teaching approach, enabling many pupils to read fluently by the end of Year 2. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils’ prior learning, allowing them to adapt their teaching effectively. Pupils with additional needs receive appropriate support to ensure they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
The school actively promotes personal development through various initiatives, including enterprise projects and community engagement activities. Pupils take pride in their roles within the school, participating in leadership opportunities and community service. The school also emphasizes the importance of diversity, with initiatives designed to broaden pupils’ understanding of different cultures and communities.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges with attendance, as a small number of pupils do not attend regularly. This affects their learning and overall achievement. Leaders are encouraged to work closely with families to improve attendance rates. Additionally, addressing the gaps in learning resulting from previous curriculum weaknesses remains a priority for the leadership team.
Governance at St Paul’s is effective, with governors providing both challenge and support to the school. Staff report feeling valued and supported in their roles, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils are well-protected and aware of how to keep themselves safe, including online.
Overall, St Paul’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.
