Marton-Cum-Grafton Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a small school with high expectations. The values of 'kindness, courage and respect' are shared by all staff, pupils and families.

The school feels like one big family. Pupils are happy, safe and feel valued. They are proud that everyone is welcome in the school.

Pupils are effusive about learning and are determined to make every lesson count. Across all areas of the curriculum, pupils achieve exceptionally well in this remarkable school.

Warm and nurturing relationships are evident between staff and pupils.

Behaviour is excellent. In lessons, pupils listen attentively, collaborate and support each other. They access a wide range of education...al visits including the local Viking centre and railway museum.

Older pupils enjoy their annual residential opportunity. These experiences help pupils to develop their curiosity and confidence.

Pupils take on a wide range of leadership responsibilities.

They show empathy and respect to one another. Pupils attend a rich array of extra-curricular activities including sports, art and baking. The school provides alternative opportunities for pupils who cannot attend these activities outside of the school day, including during the holidays.

Almost all pupils in school access the offer.

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

The school's curriculum is extremely ambitious. Each area of the curriculum is carefully constructed to ensure progression within the mixed-age year groups.

The curriculum is designed carefully so that pupils revisit important ideas, knowledge and skills. Pupils apply this knowledge exceptionally well. For example, in mathematics, they build a secure understanding of number facts before using this knowledge to solve more difficult problems.

Pupils' understanding of the local community and wider world is very strong. They learn in detail about the local village. They use this knowledge to compare their locality to other areas, such as learning about the impact of urbanisation in California.

Skilled staff ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently. Pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), build rich knowledge across the curriculum. For example, pupils learn about Ancient Egypt and make explicit links to the use of pyramids as symbols of power in other ancient civilisations.

Pupils with additional needs, including SEND, are identified quickly. Teachers know how to support these pupils and adapt their delivery of the curriculum skilfully. Staff check carefully what pupils know and can do.

This ensures that pupils receive the right support to be successful.

The school makes reading a priority. Strong phonics teaching ensures that younger pupils quickly learn to read.

Teachers use their careful checks on pupils' learning to ensure that books are closely matched to the sounds that pupils know. Pupils who need extra help are provided with high-quality additional support. They quickly develop reading fluency and stamina as a result.

Pupils talk with enthusiasm about the authors that they enjoy. They make good use of the school library and enjoy choosing books from the well-stocked reading corners in the classrooms.

Children in the early years make an excellent start to their time in the school.

Adults quickly get to know each child. They provide exceptional support for children with SEND. Adults interact purposefully with children.

These high-quality interactions help children broaden their vocabulary and communication skills. Children listen attentively and show high levels of independence. These firm foundations are the bedrock for older pupils to succeed.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. The school analyses attendance data with rigour. It acts decisively to ensure families receive the right support to help pupils who are not attending school regularly.

The attendance of these pupils quickly improves.

The school's personal development offer is first rate. Pupils take on a broad range of leadership responsibilities, such as acting as ambassadors for the library.

By the time they leave the school, every child has held a leadership role. Pupils volunteer as part of the 'Archbishop's Leadership Award' and have created a community library. Pupils learn about different faiths and religions.

This helps them to be tolerant, fair and respectful to each other. Wider opportunities are designed meticulously, which helps all pupils extend their talents and interests.

Leaders are highly ambitious.

The school builds very positive relationships with parents and carers. This approach helps to ensure that the school is at the heart of the community. Those responsible for governance fulfil their duties effectively.

They provide a strong balance between challenge and support to the school. The trust plays an important role in helping to help ensure staff workload is well managed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.