Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy at this school and describe themselves as proud 'Mapplewellians'. They are highly motivated, enthusiastic learners who live up to the school's high expectations. They achieve consistently high academic standards by the end of Year 6.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils' behaviour, and their commitment to learning, are excellent. They treat one another with kindness and respect.

Pupils fulfil the school's ambition for them to develop as well-rounded, empathetic young people. Pupils who may sometimes require additional help benefit from a bespoke approach t...hat caters to their individual needs very well.

Children in the early years make a strong start to their education.

This is because the caring staff understand their unique needs and interests. They go above and beyond to provide an inspiring curriculum that enables all children to succeed.

Pupils respond impressively to the opportunities provided for them to take on roles as young leaders.

For example, roles such as the 'curriculum crew', 'eco leaders' and 'diversity leaders' help to develop pupils' personal and independence skills. The vast array of enrichment experiences fosters pupils' broader personal development extremely well.

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

The school has developed a rich, ambitious curriculum that is designed to enable all pupils to develop secure knowledge and skills from the Nursery to Year 6.

Carefully built around the four 'MOVE' principles, the curriculum has been created with memory, opportunities, vocabulary and equality at its heart. The curriculum is equally strong in all subjects and equally accessible for all pupils.

Staff have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum.

This enables them to bring the curriculum to life in ways that engage and enthuse the pupils. Staff design interesting and challenging activities that enable pupils to develop increasingly secure knowledge and skills. For example, in mathematics, older pupils enjoyed the challenge of multiplying fractions, while children in the early years carefully sorted shapes into groups.

Pupils could confidently explain and reflect on their learning. Teachers constantly check pupils' understanding. They address any misunderstandings as soon as they occur.

Across a wide range of subjects, pupils produce high-quality work that consistently reflects the aims of the curriculum. They respond thoughtfully to teachers' challenging questions, showing an impressive depth of understanding. For example, when asked, pupils could accurately place the Second World War on a timeline and explain in writing why chronological order is useful.

Pupils' writing skills are impressive. This begins right from the start in the early years, when children learn to form letters accurately and develop stamina for writing.

Reading is regarded by the school as being 'the gateway to the curriculum'.

Pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read benefit from a systematic approach to phonics. Any who need extra help, including pupils with SEND, receive support to catch up quickly. High-quality books are evident around the school, in classrooms and in the attractively presented central spaces.

Pupils develop quickly as fluent, confident readers.

Pupils live up to the school's high expectations for behaviour. They understand and respect the rules and routines for keeping them safe.

Positive, caring relationships are at the heart of the school. Pastoral support is available for any who struggle to manage their emotions or who may have mental health needs. The school takes a strong stance on promoting pupils' attendance.

As a result, absence is typically very low.

The school's provision for promoting pupils' wider personal development is a significant strength. The bespoke 'Learning for Life' curriculum has been designed to promote pupils' well-being and prepare them to be healthy, independent members of society.

Through the well-planned programme, pupils learn about themes such as bullying, healthy relationships and online safety in an age-appropriate way. Pupils understand and respect the importance of fundamental values such as democracy and tolerance. They develop exceptionally well as thoughtful, well-informed young citizens.

All those responsible for governance provide excellent support and challenge for the school. Staff value the high-quality training that they receive, and the care shown for their well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.