Minety Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Minety thrive in the school. They support one another to develop positive and supportive relationships. Pupils are confident and keen to talk to visitors to describe what makes their school special.

Leaders have a clear vision for the school. They are highly ambitious that all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), will achieve well. Pupils enjoy their lessons.

They are keen to learn. One parent said, 'My child often comes home really excited about the learning he has done in school.' By the end of Year 6, pupils are well prepared for the move to secondary school.

Pupils are proud to attend their school. ...They say they feel happy and safe. New behaviour systems are understood by staff and pupils', and behaviour is improving.

Pupils say bullying is rare, but if it did happen, staff would sort it out quickly. Pupils are taught how to keep mentally and physically healthy. They know who to talk to if they need help with their social and emotional well-being.

Most parents are supportive of the school. One parent said, 'The school is welcoming, warm, encouraging and supportive.'

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

The new headteacher engaged quickly with the community and reviewed areas for school improvement.

Leaders have strengthened the school's curriculum. The use of assessment is well thought out in the early years and in subjects such as English and mathematics. However, across subjects in the wider curriculum, leaders have not considered how teachers will check what pupils know and can do over time.

Pupils say teachers make learning fun and interesting. This is particularly evident in the early years. For example, children were fascinated by 'memory boxes' when learning about differences over time.

They were able to discuss and know the difference between past, present and future.

In most subjects, including mathematics and reading, leaders have identified precisely what pupils need to learn and when. They have broken down learning into small steps so that pupils build up their knowledge securely.

Learning in mathematics builds on what pupils already know and can do. Important concepts start to be taught in the early years and are revisited. Children can count confidently to 10 by pushing cars down a slope.

Year 6 pupils can confidently explain their understanding of ratio and proportion.

Leaders ensure that reading is a priority. Well-trained staff deliver an effective early reading and phonics programme.

Children in the early years and key stage 1 learn sounds in a logical order. Staff make sure that any pupil who falls behind receives support to help them catch up quickly. Pupils read regularly in school.

They take home books that match the sounds they learn in class.

Older pupils love to read. They say reading 'takes you into another world'.

Pupils choose books from a wide range of authors. Staff recommend and select books for pupils they know they will want to read and enjoy.

Teachers support pupils with SEND effectively.

Leaders ensure they have precise information about pupils who need extra help. They make sure that everyday provision for pupils meets needs well. Learning is adapted effectively.

Pupils access this learning alongside their peers. As a result, pupils with SEND progress well through the curriculum and experience success.

Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour.

Pupils understand the rewards and sanctions system in school. Leaders quickly seek external support if pupils need extra help to behave well. Pupils play well together.

They appreciate the new playground equipment. Older pupils support and care for younger pupils at social times.

Pupils engage in a range of activities beyond the taught curriculum.

They have opportunities to participate in sporting events and local music festivals and have close links with the local church. They also have opportunities to go on residential visits.

Staff feel valued and empowered.

Leaders are mindful of staff workload. Governors are well informed about all aspects of the school's provision. They do not hesitate to challenge leaders when they feel it necessary to do so.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have established a strong culture of safeguarding. Staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.

They are familiar with the school's approach to identifying and reporting concerns. Effective processes are in place to ensure that any potential concerns about pupils are identified, recorded and reviewed swiftly. Leaders work well with outside agencies to support pupils and their families.

Pupils feel safe in school. They know what to do if they are worried about something and are confident to share their concerns with an adult. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including how to manage online risks.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority) ? Assessment in the foundation subjects is not precise enough to check what pupils know and can do. As a result, subject leaders do not know how well pupils follow the intended curriculum. Leaders need to develop effective assessment procedures so they have an accurate understanding of pupils' progress across the full curriculum.

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