Manea Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school is proud of its 'family feel'. This contributes to pupils feeling valued and part of the Manea community.

Staff know all the pupils as individuals. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and respectful. Because of this, pupils feel happy and safe at school.

They know staff will help them with any problems.The school understands pupils' individual needs well. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Children experience care and nurture from the moment they arrive in the early years. Pupils appreciate the wonderful outdoor environment. Although there is major building work going on, pupils do not let t...his stop them having fun outside at playtimes.

Pupils play well together and are supportive of each other. They show tolerance and appreciate each other's differences.Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour and conduct.

Right from the early years, everyone follows the well-established school routines. Pupils know what is expected of them. This helps create a calm environment across the school.

Leaders aspire for every pupil to achieve their best. In lessons, teachers help pupils to focus on important knowledge. Pupils show positive attitudes towards their learning and are keen to answer questions.

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

The school is taking effective action to improve pupils' outcomes, which are below national averages. The school has prioritised reading. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love of reading.

There is an abundance of books across the school for pupils to enjoy. Children begin to learn to read as soon as they start school. They have daily phonics sessions.

Trained staff deliver these sessions well. Pupils read books that match their ability. Staff regularly check how well pupils are doing.

When needed, pupils get effective, extra support.

For subjects where curriculums are more established, pupils are learning successfully. Curriculums are well planned and sequenced so that pupils build their knowledge and skills.

For example, in physical education (PE), pupils explain confidently how they choose the most effective type of throw to help their team get a wicket. Pupils have a strong knowledge base on which to build future learning. Teachers use precise questioning to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge.

However, adults who support pupils are not always knowledgeable enough about how to help pupils address the gaps. Leaders are aware of this and have plans in place to provide staff with additional training.

Pupils with SEND play a full and active part in all aspects of school life.

Leaders have in-depth knowledge of their needs. Pupils have precise targets to work towards. When adaptations and support are in place, pupils with SEND flourish.

However, sometimes staff do not sufficiently help pupils with SEND to access learning opportunities in class. For example, pupils are often expected to do the same work as their peers. Tasks are not always adapted carefully to ensure pupils with SEND can succeed.

Children in the early years enjoy an ambitious and well-planned curriculum. Adults are highly skilled. They seize every opportunity to question children so they think deeply about their learning.

Children respond positively, using a wide range of vocabulary. Children recognise different types of emotions and how these make them feel. The environment is stimulating and harmonious.

Children are happy and settled. The school regularly checks how well children are learning the curriculum. Staff adapt children's learning experiences so gaps in their knowledge do not develop.

This ensures children are confident and ready to move to Year 1.

The school plans many aspects of the wider curriculum effectively. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe online.

They learn about religions and being respectful to others who may be different to them. Pupils know what healthy relationships are and the importance of staying fit and healthy. Pupils are eager to be more involved in the life of the school.

For example, they would like to lead playground games for younger children. Opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles have not yet returned since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff consistently use the school's approach to managing behaviour.

Pupils are polite and courteous. They move around the school in a calm and orderly way. There is little disruption in lessons.

Pupils are motivated to learn. The school's positive relationships with families help foster a positive attitude towards pupils attending school frequently.

Governors and the school work well together.

They unite in wanting the best for the school. Staff appreciate the support they get from leaders. Governors know the school's strengths and areas to develop.

They offer a balance of support and challenge to ensure the school continues to improve.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The school's curriculum has recently been reviewed.

Some subjects are at an early stage of development. In these subjects, pupils' learning experiences do not always sufficiently help them to learn and remember more. The school must continue to provide training so all staff are able to teach these subjects well.

• The school's curriculum is not always adapted to meet the needs of all pupils with SEND. Some pupils do not develop their knowledge and skills as well as they could. The school must ensure all staff receive training so they know how to adapt the curriculum to enable pupils with SEND to achieve as well as they can.

• The curriculum for pupils' wider development is not yet broad enough. Pupils do not have many opportunities to contribute to the life of the school and develop their character. The school should review its curriculum to ensure there are opportunities for pupils to develop their strength of character and to make a positive contribution to the school.