St Mary’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The headteacher and senior team lead the school well. They have focused on the right aspects of the school's work that require improvement.

Pupils' attainment is rising and they make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics. Key Stage 2 pupils make excellent progress in their writing. The quality of teaching is good and improving.

Central to this is the well-planned curriculum that provides memorable experiences for pupils. Strong support for disadvantaged pupils and disabled pupils and those with special educational needs results in them making equally good progress as their peers. Children in the Reception class get off to a g...ood start.

They settle quickly and make good progress because of stimulating and well-planned activities. Pupils behave well and are enthusiastic about learning and their school. They report that they feel very safe in school.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very well catered for. The school's Christian, caring ethos and strong teaching in art and music contribute to this. Governors actively monitor the work of the school and have a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for development.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Progress in mathematics for the most able pupils in Years 3 and 4 is not as quick as in reading and writing. Sometimes they are set work that is too easy. A few lower attaining pupils do not confidently apply phonics (the sounds that letters make) when reading or read regularly enough.

Children in the Reception class are not given enough help in forming letters during some activities.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than most primary schools. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

Children in Reception enter school full time in the first few weeks of the autumn term, and are taught in a single-age class. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for funding through the pupil premium is average. This is additional government funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported at school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. The proportion of pupils joining or leaving the school during the school year other than at the usual times is above average.

In recent years, the school has experienced significant staffing changes. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school provides a daily breakfast club for its pupils.