St Margaret’s Lee CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a warm, welcoming and vibrant school that provides an exceptional all-round education for its pupils. Pupils of all ages, including those in the early years, thrive and flourish here. The school's values of kindness and empathy are demonstrated regularly by all members of the community.

Leaders have very high expectations of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND). Pupils rise to these expectations. They work hard and achieve highly.

Pupils' many successes are reflected in the outcomes they reach across the curriculum, including in national assessments.

Pupils benefit from a very wide range of opportunities i...n music, sport and art. A very large number of pupils take instrumental lessons or are members of a school rock band.

Many pupils take part in the annual music festival involving twelve mini music concerts. Every week, older pupils take part in a 'park run' at the local park. There is a thriving outdoor environment.

Pupils look forward to their lunchtimes where they take part in a wide range of organised games and activities in the very well-designed playground.

Pupils are incredibly proud of their school. Parents and carers greatly appreciate the work of staff and leaders.

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

The school has constructed a curriculum that is rich and ambitious. Across all subjects, the knowledge that pupils learn is carefully selected. The school ensures that key knowledge and vocabulary is embedded in pupils' long-term memory.

For example through 'flashback Fridays'. In science, pupils in Year 2 speak confidently about metamorphosis. In Year 6, pupils explain the theory of evolution, whilst in history they can recall important information about five key monarchs from different eras.

In Reception, staff enable children to learn across all areas of learning with confidence. For instance, children enjoyed learning about the planets in the solar system. Staff provide children with many opportunities to learn to count to ten in four different languages.

Reading is a big priority in the school. All staff are well-trained in phonics. As a result, they deliver the phonics programme in a consistent and effective way.

Children in Reception learn to read as soon as they start school. They have many opportunities to segment and blend the sounds they are learning. The school checks what pupils know regularly and supports those who are falling behind to keep up or catch up.

As a result, pupils become accurate and fluent readers, helping them to fully access the broader curriculum.

Older pupils talk passionately and articulately about the books they are reading.Children in Reception love listening to stories.

They also use props to create their own stories which they sometimes present to the class. Adults interact with children positively, extending their language at every opportunity. Pupils with SEND are identified quickly and receive timely support to access the curriculum.

Across the school, assessment is used effectively both within lessons and across a series of lessons.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Staff know pupils well and care for them.

Lessons are not disrupted. Children in Reception demonstrate maturity in their behaviour. They are able to take turns, concentrate on their learning and listen to their teacher.

The school uses 'kindness surveys' to keep bullying and unkind behaviour to a minimum. Pupils know who to talk to if they are worried about anything. As a result, pupils feel very happy and safe in school.

Leaders have high expectations of pupils' attendance. They work with children and families to remove any barriers to attending school. As a result, attendance is high and persistent absence is low.

Pupils' wider personal development is exceptionally strong. Pupils can become reading buddies, school councillors, and parent evening helpers. Older pupils mentor and support younger pupils.

Members of the school council speak proudly of how they have brought about improvements in the school lunches. All pupils study gardening. They can also attend after-school clubs in coding, chess or dance.

Educational visits considerably enhance the curriculum. This year, for example, pupils in Year 5 visited the Cutty Sark to learn about levers and pulleys in science. Pupils in Years 4 and 6 attended residential outdoor activity trips to develop their resilience.

Pupils can also take part in science week, international day or the many sports fixtures.

Leaders at all levels have created an ambitious culture that the puts pupils' learning at the centre of everything the school does. Staff really enjoy working at the school.

They value the empathy and kindness they are shown by leaders. Parents, pupils and staff are rightly proud to be part of this wonderful school community.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.