Grace Mary Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders, including governors, know their school extremely well. Their drive and determination ensure that pupils develop into successful learners and achieve their full potential.

Leaders' passion for every pupil to have the very best care and education shines through and is at the core of all decisions made. Leaders have purposefully crafted a unique curriculum, which is based on the recognition of pupils' needs. It provides pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to fully develop their understanding of the world around them.

Leaders provide wide-ranging enrichment opportunities. These are valued by pupils and contribute t...o pupils being well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make strong progress, including those taught in the resource base.

This is because leaders provide robust, sensitive and effective leadership and teaching is highly effective Pupils with SEND who have autism spectrum disorders are extremely well supported within the specially resourced provision. A highly effective approach to the teaching of mathematics ensures that pupils' progress in mathematics is well above the national average by the end of key stage 2. Respectful and positive relationships between pupils and adults are a visible strength throughout the school.

These set clear boundaries for excellent classroom behaviour. As a result, pupils are active and inquisitive learners. Children in the early years are supported well as they start their school life.

They experience a wide range of learning opportunities. However, some activities are not challenging enough to meet the needs of the most able children in the Reception class. Teachers use a range of challenging and stimulating texts to promote both reading and writing.

Consequently, pupils' progress in reading and writing are above average at the end of key stage 2. Teachers appreciate the excellent support and professional development they receive. They strive to be the best they can be.

As a result, pupils receive very high-quality, purposeful teaching that successfully supports, challenges and extends their learning. This ensures that pupils make strong progress across the curriculum. Pupils develop into extremely confident and considerate individuals.

They say they feel very safe at school. Pupils are given many opportunities to take on responsibilities and have a say in how things are done at school. Leaders' rigorous focus on improving attendance has significantly reduced absence and persistent absence.

However, this continues to remain a priority.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The early years is made up of a Nursery class and a Reception class.

The school has two Year 6 classes and one class in each of the other year groups. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through the pupil premium is much higher than average. Most pupils are from a White British background.

The proportion of pupils with support for SEND is above average. The proportion of pupils supported through an education, health and care plan is much higher than average. The school has a specially resourced provision for pupils with autism spectrum disorder.