St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are friendly, polite and are proud of their school.

They enjoy coming to school and describe the school as exciting, safe and happy. Pupils behave well and enjoy working together. Bullying is rare.

If an incident did occur, they know that they can talk to an adult or leave a message in their class 'worry box'.

Pupils understand the importance of treating everyone equally. They learn about role models from a range of backgrounds, including important female scientists.

Pupils enjoy attending after-school clubs, such as karate, football and basketball. They enjoy the educational visits staff plan, including residential trips and visits to the mus...eum. These opportunities all help to deepen their learning.

The school is a calm and welcoming environment. The school's Christian motto of 'loving God, serving others and fulfilling our potential' can be seen in the way that pupils and staff work together.

This is an inclusive and supportive community.

From the day they start at the school, children and families talk about becoming part of the 'St Margaret's family'. Staff have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). One parent said, 'The teachers are great and genuinely care about my child.'



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

Leaders and governors have improved the quality of education the school provides since the last inspection. The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including pupils with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pupils get off to a flying start in Reception.

Leaders have considered how the curriculum starts in the foundation stage and builds pupils' knowledge over time. There have been notable improvements to the English and mathematics curriculum recently. Leaders have also adapted the curriculum to ensure that those who attend the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND (special support centre) are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Leaders have developed many areas of the curriculum. Where these improvements are already in place, teachers know what to teach in a skilled and engaging way. Because of this, pupils build on their prior knowledge well.

For example, in history, teachers have introduced a well-sequenced curriculum that begins in the early years and helps to teach historical concepts such as chronology. Staff have ensured that the history curriculum links to the local area. This helps pupils to make strong connections with what they have previously learned.

However, not all curriculum leaders have identified precisely what pupils need to learn and know in their subjects.

Leaders have put reading at the heart of the curriculum. The development of early reading is a key priority for leaders and well-trained staff foster a love of reading throughout the school.

Leaders have introduced a new phonics programme since the last inspection. Phonics lessons have a clear structure which helps pupils learn new sounds quickly. Staff foster a love of reading throughout the school.

They match pupils' books to the sounds they know. Staff provide extra support for pupils who start to fall behind. Pupils love to record their reading at home for the teacher to listen to in school and enjoy visiting the school library.

Staff are equally ambitious for pupils with SEND. Leaders work closely with staff in early years to identify children's needs from the outset. Staff adapt their teaching so that all pupils can access the same curriculum.

This ongoing assessment helps staff support children to achieve their best.

Leaders plan a range of opportunities that promote pupils' wider development. The personal, social and health education curriculum helps pupils learn about relationships and equalities.

Pupils see everyone as equal and appreciate the diversity of their community. Pupils enjoy learning about different cultures and beliefs. One pupil said, 'Everyone gets treated the same here, and we are all well respected.'



Pupils enjoy taking on positions of responsibility, such as school councillors and science ambassadors. The school council plays an active role in school life, raising funds for local and national charities. Pupils enjoy representing the school at sporting events.

Pupils behave well in and around the school. They listen to their teachers and cooperate well in lessons. Staff model clear expectations for pupils' behaviour.

Classrooms are calm and peaceful environments.

Staff are very proud to work at St Margaret's. They all agree that they are well supported and feel valued.

There is a great team spirit, and they appreciate the support they receive to help manage their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a positive safeguarding culture across the school.

Staff and governors receive regular updates and training about safeguarding issues. Staff know what to do if they have any concerns or worries about pupils' welfare. Leaders follow up any concerns with external agencies quickly.

Records are detailed and accurate.

Pupils feel safe in school. They learn about being safe online and healthy friendships in lessons and assemblies.

Staff and parents are confident that pupils are safe in school.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects the work given to pupils does not match the aims of the curriculum. Curriculum plans do not identify the specific knowledge pupils are to learn in enough detail.

This means that, at times, pupils do not always make links with prior learning and their progress through the curriculum is not as strong as it could be. Leaders need to provide additional training to help staff develop their subject leadership skills further. This will mean that all schemes of work are detailed enough and that the planned curriculum is being implemented consistently in all subjects.