Pupils at St Philip’s are happy confident learners. That’s the essence of St Philip’s CofE Aided Primary School in Cambridge. This isn’t just a school it’s a vibrant community. St Philip’s has been shaping young minds for years. The school’s values of safe caring and positive underpin everything. Adults support pupils developing attitudes that help them learn and socialize. Pupils themselves say the school teaches kindness and acceptance.
They work hard with focus and enthusiasm. Teachers support all pupils to achieve their best. Behaviour is good in lessons and at playtimes. Children feel safe. Adults resolve problems quickly. Bullying is uncommon. The school offers a wide range of opportunities to develop wider interests. Children share positive memories of residential trips and enjoy after-school clubs. These include art Taekwondo and archery.
The school’s curriculum is ambitious and relevant. Most subject leaders understand the key knowledge pupils need. Leaders provide support to ensure teaching is consistently effective. In some subjects plans aren’t fully implemented yet. Leaders have clear plans to complete this work. Recent improvements to phonics teaching are having a positive impact. Staff fully engage all pupils. Adults regularly check pupils remember important phonics knowledge. This boosts reading confidence. Weaker readers in key stage 2 are supported with a recently adopted phonics program. This is helping them catch up. Pupils learn to love reading for pleasure. Older pupils are proud to talk about the books they enjoy.
Teachers understand what motivates pupils. They plan engaging lessons. Teachers skilfully link new learning with previous learning. This helps pupils develop a rich web of knowledge. This helps them learn effectively and achieve well. The early years foundation stage EYFS curriculum provides significant support. Learning opportunities capture children’s imagination from preschool. This supports children’s development across all areas of learning. However curriculum plans in early years don’t always clearly link to Year 1 knowledge. This can mean children aren’t fully prepared for the next stage of their education.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities SEND are supported well. Teachers adapt plans and provide support. Effective systems for assessing and reviewing pupils’ needs are used successfully. These improve the progress disadvantaged pupils make. Staff have clear expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Concerns are addressed swiftly. Learning environments are consistently calm and purposeful. Pupils respect their school and enjoy praise for their positive engagement. The PSHE programme supports pupils’ personal development. Leaders use assemblies and values days. Pupils explore human qualities like tolerance. Pupils contribute to and influence decisions in their school.
Leaders’ commitment to improvement enhances the experience of pupils in every year group. Staff receive relevant training to grow their leadership skills. This improves pupils’ lessons. Governors provide a good balance of support and challenge. This supports the school’s improvement. Some parents are dissatisfied with communication from the school. Leaders and governors have listened to parents’ views. They reflect on feedback to continue improving. Safeguarding arrangements are effective. Leaders prioritize pupils’ safety and take all concerns seriously. Pupils feel safe and name trusted adults they would talk to if worried. Well-established routines ensure staff share information if concerned. Leaders swiftly seek external professional services if needed. Staff receive regular training to support their work in keeping pupils safe. All adults understand different types of bullying and how to spot signs a child might be at risk of harm. St Philip’s CofE Aided Primary School is more than just a school it’s a place where children thrive.