St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at this school are immensely proud of the diverse community of their school and of the area that they live in. From the early years onwards, pupils learn about their rights and how to respect others.

This underpins their superb behaviour and their excellent attitudes towards learning.

The school has exceptionally high expectations for pupils' achievement. This includes for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and those who are disadvantaged.

Pupils live up to, and often exceed, these expectations. They embody the school's motto to 'be the best they can be'. This is reflected in the high quality of work that pupils produce.<...br/>
Pupils across the school achieve remarkably well.

Pupils at this school flourish from the supportive, caring relationships that they have with staff. Pupils are happy and they enjoy being part of the St Mary's community.

The school is located in an area that faces challenging levels of youth crime. This steers a determination from pupils and staff to be active citizens who champion equality and opportunity for all. The school value, 'love thy neighbour', permeates pupils' everyday actions.

Pupils relish the extensive variety of opportunities that are on offer to them such as trips and visits that they go on to local farms, art galleries and museums. Pupils talked highly of the dance, art and football clubs that they take part in. Staff ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to the abundance of extra-curricular activities available.

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

The school is extremely ambitious for pupils, including those with SEND. Pupils benefit from a well-thought-out curriculum which is carefully ordered to help them to know and remember more over time. This broad and balanced curriculum starts in the early years and flows seamlessly to Year 6.

Many school staff are specialist teachers in their field. This enables them to equip other staff with the skills that they need to design curriculum content extremely well. Added to this, the curriculum is delivered with considerable expertise.

Pupils learn deeply across a broad range of subjects.

Staff routinely check that pupils have secured the knowledge that they need for their next steps of learning. Where pupils do have gaps or misconceptions in their knowledge, staff take swift action to address these.

The school uses assessment information successfully to make appropriate refinements to subject curriculums. Over time, pupils develop a deep body of knowledge that interconnects between subjects. This prepares them wholeheartedly for learning beyond key stage 2.

The school has made reading a priority. Children in the Nursery class enjoy being read to and sharing stories daily. Knowledgeable staff support children to develop their communication and language skills successfully.

Skilled staff deliver phonics lessons as soon as children start in the Reception Year. This ensures that children get off to the very best start possible with reading.

Pupils practise their reading using books that are carefully matched to the sounds that they already know.

Staff use their expertise to check regularly that pupils are keeping up with the phonics programme. If pupils struggle with reading, staff provide effective support to help them to catch up quickly. Most pupils become confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 2.

Older pupils talked confidently about their love of reading. They spoke articulately about their favourite texts and authors.

Pupils' rates of attendance are extremely high.

They understand the importance of attending school each day. When needed, the school takes prompt action to reduce pupils' absence effectively. The school provides comprehensive pastoral support for pupils and families, skilling up and empowering parents and carers to also 'be the best they can be' for their children.

Staff are trained to quickly identify the additional needs that pupils may have, including SEND. To secure appropriate support for pupils, staff work collaboratively with parents and external agencies. Staff are skilled at making any necessary adaptations to their delivery of the curriculum.

This enables pupils with SEND to successfully learn the same broad and exceptional curriculum as their peers.

The way that the school develops pupils' character is commendable. Pupils warmly welcome everyone into their school, regardless of any differences that they may have.

The school places a high emphasis on helping pupils to prepare for life in modern Britain. It ensures that they learn about fundamental shared values, and it maximises opportunities for pupils to engage with their community. In addition to raising money for local charities, pupils learn about and meet positive role models in their community who have made a difference.

These opportunities have a positive impact on pupils' aspirations.

Knowledgeable and committed governors are passionate about affording pupils as many opportunities to learn and grow as they can. Governors understand and fulfil their statutory duties exceptionally well.

Staff were overwhelmingly positive about how the school takes their workload and well-being into consideration. For example, staff value the way that the school avoids overloading them when they allocate tasks and responsibilities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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