‘Caring with a strong sense of community’: Ofsted success for St Michael’s CE Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford

Caring staff and a strong sense of community earned St Michael’s Church of England Primary School praise from an Ofsted inspector.

The ungraded appraisal was the first since the education watchdog rated the Bishop’s Stortford primary as ‘good’ in 2019.

When Jessie Linsley, lead inspector, visited the Apton Road campus in January, she found that staff and governors had taken effective action to maintain standards. The Anglican voluntary-aided school has 220 pupils aged from three to 11.

Ms Linsley reported: “Pupils are proud to attend this school and they show self-assurance that stems from feeling happy and secure. Their consideration for others, combined with the caring staff, fosters a strong sense of community. When new pupils arrive, they are warmly welcomed and treated with kindness.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils’ achievement. They provide pupils with the support and guidance they need to achieve their learning tasks. Pupils work hard and try their best. Over time, this means that pupils achieve well.

“Many pupils can take on extra responsibilities, such as becoming members of the school council or being play ambassadors. These pupils are positive role models.”

Ms Linsley praised the school’s well-structured curriculum and said: “The school places a strong emphasis on pupils learning to read.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported by skilled staff.

“When appropriate, pupils have individual targets. This helps teachers to know each pupil well. They can then provide the right support when a pupil needs it.”

She was impressed by the children’s behaviour and said: “Pupils are self-confident. This comes from their ability to understand themselves and others.

“Pupils understand how to manage minor fallouts. However, staff members are always available to provide support if needed.

“Additionally, pupils learn about our diverse world and celebrate the differences that make us unique. This helps to create a harmonious school environment.”

Her only criticism was that, in a few subjects, the school has not clearly outlined the knowledge and skills that pupils should learn and develop from nursery to Year 6. She said: “As a result, teachers are not always aware of pupils’ prior knowledge and therefore sometimes repeat or skip essential content.”

Head Rachel Griffiths said: “I am thrilled that the report recognises the many strengths we are most proud of and also talks about our caring staff and a strong sense of community. It reflects our wonderful children, who ‘work hard and try their best’.

“A big shout out goes to our staff and governors, who work tirelessly to make the school all it is, and to our incredible children, who are the life and soul of our school and make it such a special place to be.”

The school is offering tours for parents of children interested in joining its outstanding Early Years Foundation Stage classes. See www.stmichaelsjmi.herts.sch.uk for details.