Manorfield Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Manorfield are happy and kept safe. They know they are cared for and well supported.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They are kind and polite to each other, the adults who work with them and visitors. Bullying is rare.

Pupils understand what to do if it should occur and trust staff to help them.

Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Pupils work hard and achieve well, including in national assessments.

They are articulate and confident to discuss different ideas and express their opinions. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Pupils' wider personal development is exceptional.

They benefit fro...m enrichment provided through the specialist chef, artist and horticulturalist in residence. At lunch times you will find pupils engaging in dedicated spaces, carefully tending plants and being responsible for their environment.

There is a culture of respect throughout the school.

Pupils learn about different faiths and cultures, how to keep safe and the importance of maintaining strong physical and mental health. As such, pupils are very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

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

Leaders have ensured that the curriculum for all subjects matches the breadth and ambition that is expected nationally.

From early years onwards, the knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember is clearly identified and well structured. This helps pupils to build their understanding cumulatively and tackle more complex ideas. For example, in history, children in early years develop their understanding of the passing of time and cause and effect through listening and responding to familiar stories.

This prepares them well for when they learn the reasons for the rise and fall of the Ancient Greek and Roman Empires.

The planned curriculum is typically well implemented. Teachers are knowledgeable and explain concepts clearly.

They provide opportunities for pupils to revisit and practise new learning, so they remember it over time. Assessment is generally used effectively to check what has been learned and to identify and correct any misconceptions. However, this is not consistent.

On occasion, gaps in pupils' knowledge are not picked up, and so persist. This limits the depth of understanding that some pupils secure in these subjects.

Reading is prioritised.

Well-trained staff deliver the approved phonics programme with accuracy and precision. This helps to ensure that pupils develop as confident, accurate and fluent readers. Teachers regularly check pupils' reading.

Any who fall behind are well supported to catch up.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are swiftly identified. Their needs are communicated clearly to staff.

This helps to ensure that a range of suitable adaptations are made to help pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers. A small number of pupils who attend the specialist provision follow a bespoke curriculum. The school works closely with advisers from a local special school to ensure these pupils are well supported to learn effectively and achieve well from their different starting points.

Pupils' behaviour in classrooms and around the school is excellent. This is because rules and routines are clear, simple and well communicated. Pupils know what is expected of them and consistently rise to these expectations.

Pupils demonstrate highly positive attitudes towards their learning. They are fully engaged and attentive learners.

Leaders have rightly prioritised pupils' attendance.

The school works closely with families and external agencies to ensure pupils receive the support they need to attend school regularly and on time. As a result, attendance has improved significantly over the last year.

Personal development is central to the school's work.

The curriculum helps pupils to understand important ideas such as democracy, maintaining good health and effective relationships and respect for different faiths, lifestyles and cultures. The curriculum is enriched with an extensive range of visits, including to museums, historical landmarks and to iconic events such as the London Marathon. Pupils can attend additional activities that nurture their talents and interests in philosophy, cookery, gardening and learning to play musical instruments.

Pupils are proud to represent their school through debating competitions, performing in concerts and plays and competing in sporting fixtures.

Leaders at all levels, including those responsible for governance, are highly motivated and ambitious for the community they serve. They work closely with families and local services to promote the well-being of all.

The staff are a happy team. They value the ongoing professional development and know that their workload and well-being are thoughtfully considered by leaders.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a small number of subjects, assessment is used less effectively to check what pupils have learned. This means that some pupils' knowledge is not as securely embedded. The school should ensure that assessment is used consistently well so that misconceptions are identified and addressed swiftly.