St Mary’s Primary School, Dilwyn

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and governors have created a successful school. Through their vision, commitment and ambition, they have steered improvements and overcome any challenges along the way. Teaching is good, behaviour is excellent and community links are very strong.

This is a small school with a big curriculum. Pupils of all ages and abilities are given plenty of opportunity to try new things and experience success in a range of subjects. Consequently, they enjoy school, feel confident and are well prepared for their next school when they leave St Mary's.

At the end of key stages 1 and 2, standards in reading, writing and mathematics are abov...e national averages. Pupils' achievements in reading and science are notable strengths. Pupils of all abilities make excellent progress in these two subjects.

Progress in mathematics and writing is good. However, there is scope to push standards even higher in these two subjects. Caring relationships and a belief that all pupils should enjoy learning and aspire to high standards are at the heart of the school's work.

Pupils work hard, support one another and respond very well to the good-quality teaching provided. They are extremely responsive in class, play happily with others on the playground and, for most pupils, attendance is high. Parents are highly supportive of the school.

During this inspection, Ofsted received many positive comments from parents about the school's values and the quality of education and care provided. The school's procedures for keeping children safe work as they should. Pupils are taught about everyday risks and how to manage these in a sensible way.

Training for staff is up to date and checks on staff and visitors are carried out correctly. Children get a superb start to school. The early years provision is managed very well within a mixed-age class because of highly effective leadership, teamwork and teaching.

In addition, liaison arrangements with the local pre-school and parents are excellent. Pupils who find aspects of learning difficult or who have faced problems in their lives thrive at this school. Staff understand their needs and give them the support, guidance and teaching they require.

Information about this school

St Mary's CofE Primary School, Dilwyn opened as a free school in January 2013. The school is administered by an independent charitable trust and is housed in the original school's buildings, owned by the local church trust. As a church school, it is a member of the Hereford Diocesan Schools Trust.

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is below the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils at the school is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above the national average. The school offers early years provision for Reception-age children in one mixed-age key stage 1 and early years class.

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The government's floor standards, which set out the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress, do not apply to schools of this small size.