Muscliff Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The five school values of aspiration, curiosity, kindness, resilience and responsibility inform the ethos of Muscliff Primary School.

Pupils attend school regularly and are eager to learn. The focus the school places on attendance has resulted in a demonstrable improvement. By the time pupils leave the school in Year 6, they know how to be successful learners.

The school is committed to all aspects of pupils' personal development. Pupils learn new skills through their participation in a range of extra-curricular opportunities, such as choir and coding club. They enjoy representing their school in sporting competitions.

Pupils make visits to places of interest.... These are carefully planned to support and build on the curriculum. For example, pupils visit a beach as part of their learning in geography.

The relationships between staff and pupils are warm. Pupils are safe. They know that a trusted adult will help them if they have any worries.

Pupils understand the school's expectations and behave well.

Pupils take on positions of responsibility and develop independence from a young age. For example, children in Reception Year learn how to recognise their own name and the names of others in their class during the morning register.

Older pupils become play leaders for younger children.

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

Pupils learn a broad and ambitious curriculum. Staff support pupils to explain their thinking and express themselves fluently.

Staff use the latest research to refine and improve the quality of the curriculum. In most subjects, the curriculum has been designed so that small components of knowledge build sequentially over time. Teachers make regular checks on pupils' understanding of the curriculum.

Pupils demonstrate their understanding confidently. For example, in mathematics, pupils understand the properties of shapes and explain clearly to others how to calculate area and perimeter.

In a few foundation subjects, the school has not outlined the content of the curriculum or the sequence in which it is taught with precision.

In addition, checks made on pupils' understanding do not always identify gaps in knowledge. As a result, pupils do not build confidently on what they already know. They are not always ready for what comes next.

Children in Reception Year settle into school life successfully. The curriculum supports children to develop in all areas of their learning. Staff consider carefully how to develop the skills and knowledge that children need.

For example, children use hammers to nail together pieces of wood in construction. As well as developing design skills, this helps them to build muscle strength and coordination to prepare them for writing. Children sustain high levels of concentration.

They are motivated and eager to join in.

The teaching of reading is effective. Almost all pupils become accurate readers by the end of Year 1.

Staff check pupils' understanding of phonics systematically. From Reception Year onwards, pupils read books that match the sounds they know. This helps them to develop fluency.

The school has selected 'beautiful texts' to support pupils to develop an appreciation of literature and a love of reading. Often, these are linked to a school value or a complementary area of the curriculum to broaden pupils' understanding. For example, pupils read texts on environmental pollution to support what they learn in science.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified early. The planned support for pupils matches their specific needs and is supported by work from external agencies. Transition at each stage is carefully planned and enhanced for children with SEND and anxiety.

Consequently, pupils with SEND progress through the curriculum successfully and participate fully in school life.

Pupils are polite and courteous. The school environment is calm and orderly.

As a result, pupils concentrate on their learning. They understand learning routines and why it is important to do their best. Pupils appreciate the rewards they receive for their work.

The school takes a restorative approach to any lapses in behaviour. This helps pupils to understand the impact of their actions on others.

Pupils know that everyone should be treated fairly.

They learn how to keep themselves safe when online and in the wider environment. Pupils understand about personal safety and the vigilance required when crossing the roads, for example.

Pupils are interested and inquisitive about the lives of others.

They learn about different faiths and cultures. They are knowledgeable about different traditions, practices and beliefs.

The trustees and governing body provide effective strategic direction to the school.

They are passionate about continuing to strive to improve further and have a clear drive for improvement. There is no complacency. Leaders know what needs to happen.

Staff appreciate the attention given to their workload and well-being. The school communicates with parents regularly about pupils' achievements, which parents value.

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 few foundation subjects, the school has not outlined precisely the content of the curriculum or the sequence in which it is taught. As a result, pupils do not build confidently on what they already know or prepare for what comes next. The school should identify exactly what is important for pupils to learn and the order in which they do so.

• In some subjects, the way in which teachers use assessment to identify what pupils know and remember is underdeveloped. This means staff do not identify if pupils have gaps in their understanding of the curriculum. The school needs to ensure that assessment accurately evaluates pupils' understanding over time.