St Mary’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The work of the headteacher, well supported by a strong staff team and governing body, has led to considerable improvements since the school's last inspection. The quality of teaching is good and some is outstanding. Teachers promote learning well and demonstrate good subject knowledge, thanks to thorough and regular checks on the quality of teaching, followed up by effective staff training.

Pupils of all abilities achieve well and standards at the end of Year 6 are broadly in line with national averages in English and mathematics. Pupils' behaviour and safety are exemplary and this contributes strongly to the good learning in most lesso...ns. Their attendance is above average.

Provision in the Reception class is good and children make a strong start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are confident, inquisitive about the world around them and respond well to the good range of stimulating activities provided. Pupils are treated with respect and as individuals in an atmosphere of care and support.

As a result, they are considerate and take very good care of each other and are welcoming and courteous to visitors. Pupils enjoy a variety of exciting additional activities throughout the school year, including visits, visitors and residential stays. The school accurately evaluates how well it is doing and what needs to be done next.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not enough teaching is outstanding. Occasionally, the pace of learning in lessons slows after a brisk start, and pupils are not encouraged enough to learn independently without direction from adults. Pupils' attainment in mathematics is not yet as high as it is in reading and writing.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than most other primary schools. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils eligible for free school meals and other specific groups) is below the national average. An above average proportion of pupils join the school at other than the normal time, mid-year and mid-key stage.

More than half of the 2012 Year 6 cohort of 15 pupils joined the school during Key Stage 2, for example. Pupils are organised in single year group classes in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1, 2 and 3 and in mixed-aged classes of Years 4 and 5, and Years 5 and 6. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported at school action is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above average, and particularly high in some year groups. No pupil attends off-site alternative provision. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.