St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud of their school. Every pupil receives a warm welcome when they arrive each day.

Pupils feel safe. They have secure, positive relationships with each other and staff. Pupils understand the school's values of perseverance, respect, courage, forgiveness, compassion and friendship.

These are at the heart of the school and establish a sense of community.

The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils across the school are polite and well-mannered, and understand the importance of good behaviour.

Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that adults will help them deal with their problems.

Pupils value the opportuniti...es the school offers to develop their interests and talents through clubs and activities.

They visit a local wetland wildlife reserve to enrich their learning. Pupils talk confidently about how to manage risks, such as the dangers of fire and drug use. They know how to keep safe online.

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

The school has developed a rich and ambitious curriculum. While the impact is evident in current pupils' learning, it is not yet reflected in published outcomes.

The curriculum in the early years is planned well to build on what children know and can do.

It includes play that is purposeful and supports children's development. As a result, children are well prepared for the next stage of learning.

The school has made reading a priority for all pupils.

Children in the early years begin learning to read as soon as they start school. Reading books are closely matched to the sounds the children are learning. Teachers use assessment of reading well to ensure that pupils who fall behind are quickly supported.

Pupils are given the additional help they need. This means that most pupils learn to read quickly and fluently. Pupils read a wide range of books that support their understanding of the wider curriculum.

Their reading helps them to make links between different subjects. They are eager to talk about the books they are reading in class.

The school curriculum makes clear the knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn.

In mathematics, pupils recall mathematical knowledge well. Pupils talk with confidence and pride about their learning. Assessment is used well in mathematics to check pupils are learning more over time.

This ensures that pupils are ready for the next stage of their learning. However, assessment in the wider curriculum is not always precise. As a result, teachers do not always have in-depth knowledge of what pupils know and can do.

The school is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and effective support is put in place. As a result, pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their peers.

The school supports pupils to learn what it means to be responsible, respectful and active citizens. Pupils write to the local council in support of community road safety. Pupils also volunteer for the warm spaces project which takes place at the local church.

Through assemblies and the wider curriculum, pupils learn about people from different backgrounds, faiths and beliefs. Pupils develop an understanding of equality, tolerance and differences. They understand the importance of positive physical and mental health.

Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from clubs and activities the school offers. Most pupils attend school regularly. There are effective strategies to support pupils who do not attend well.

Many parents told us their children are happy coming to school and commented on the positive, friendly atmosphere.

The trust provides a range of high-quality training opportunities for teachers. This ensures they have strong subject knowledge.

Staff, including those new to teaching, feel well supported.

Those responsible for governance are knowledgeable and have an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They offer effective support and challenge to ensure pupils achieve well and are safe.

They understand their statutory responsibilities and work with the trust to improve the standard of education for all pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, assessment is not used well.

Teaching does not always check with precision what pupils know and remember. When this happens, pupils do not have secure knowledge. The trust needs to ensure that teachers use assessment effectively to so that pupils secure and deepen their subject knowledge.

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