Dixons Marchbank Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this exceptional school.

Leaders have established an influential vision, underpinned by 'commitment, enjoyment and teamwork'. Leaders consistently model these attributes. This motivates everyone in the school to do the same.

Each adult is an excellent role model for the pupils that they support. Adults inspire pupils to be hopeful and ambitious for their futures. The school is providing a highly effective pathway for pupils to achieve these ambitions.

Dixons Marchbank Primary is a very happy place to learn.

Leaders place no limits on pupils' personal and academic development. The school's curriculum helps pupils to secure a deep kn...owledge of each subject that they study.

For example, pupils discuss in detail their understanding of the techniques of artists such as Mondrian and Jen Aranyi. The school has established an extra-curricular offer that significantly enriches pupils' learning. Pupils thrive at the many residential trips and clubs that the school offers.

Leaders make sure that all pupils have the chance to take part in these activities.

Behaviour is exemplary. Adults apply their high expectations of behaviour and routines consistently.

In early years, staff help children to understand these routines and expectations. This sets the foundation for pupils' exceptional attitudes to their learning throughout the school. Leaders have shaped a highly inclusive school culture.

Pupils treat everyone around them with the utmost respect.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has established an ambitious curriculum. Staff have developed consistent routines in all subjects for pupils to follow.

Pupils are immersed in these routines. This helps pupils to focus on the important knowledge that they need to acquire. Staff build in frequent opportunities for pupils to rehearse this knowledge and become fluent.

Pupils find this learning deeply rewarding. They talk confidently about the things that they know. Pupils discuss the best techniques for blending and shading in art.

They understand the importance of Julius Caeser to the Roman invasion of Britain. Pupils fluently use scientific vocabulary to explain their thinking in science. They acquire an impressive depth of knowledge across all subjects.

Children in early years get off to a flying start with phonics. Staff are experts in teaching them to read. Children's books are closely matched to the sounds that they know.

This helps them to master phonics quickly and to become fluent readers. If pupils struggle to read, they receive high-quality additional support. This helps them to develop their fluency and confidence.

Throughout the school, leaders invest in carefully chosen literature. Skilled staff share this literature with pupils daily. This inspires pupils to 'relax into the book' and to 'visit other worlds'.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Adults in the school's nurture provision provide exceptional support for pupils with SEND. This is helping pupils to develop academically and socially.

Leaders place no limits on what pupils can do and achieve. Pupils with SEND are flourishing.

Children in early years develop their mathematical understanding quickly.

They begin to learn the value of number and recognise different amounts. This helps children to become confident mathematical thinkers. Adults help older pupils to build their mathematic knowledge step by step.

Pupils have lots of opportunities to rehearse and revisit their learning. Pupils use their fluent recall of multiplication facts to confidently solve problems. This helps them to become assured mathematicians.

Leaders' work to promote pupils' personal development is exceptional. Pupils regularly discuss and debate complex issues. This helps them to develop a mature understanding of different faiths and healthy relationships.

Pupils talk about these issues with considerable sensitivity. Pupils develop their character through the many leadership roles on offer. Some contribute as school councillors, while others work as play leaders and learning buddies.

This informs the deep kindness with which pupils treat everyone around them. They acknowledge that 'everyone is special in their own way. We can be ourselves'.

Leaders' ambition extends beyond the school gates. The school offers impressive support for families and the wider community. The school also partners with local providers to offer adult learning programmes.

Local residents engage in a variety of courses and parenting support. This reflects leaders' determination for the school to be 'anchored in the community'.

Those responsible for governance are extremely knowledgeable about the school.

They use their experience well to challenge and support leaders. The school and the trust deliver highly effective professional development for all staff. The workload and well-being of all staff are carefully considered.

This means changes and improvements are sustained. Staff are immensely proud to work at this highly inclusive school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.