Malpas Church in Wales Primary School

Overview

The report states that pupils are happy and feel safe, with most leaving with suitable standards in English and mathematics. However, standards in Welsh and ICT are not good enough, and progress for pupils with special educational needs and more able pupils is slower than expected. The recent amalgamation has led to fractured relationships and poor communication, resulting in a rate of improvement that is too slow.

Strengths

• Pupils are "happy and feel safe" and "many enjoy their learning".
• "Warm, professional relationships" exist between pupils and adults in most classrooms.
• Most pupils leave with "suitable standards in English and mathematics".
• Teachers generally "manage pupils’ behaviour well" and provide regular, helpful feedback.
• The school provides a "supportive environment" with enriching social and cultural activities.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must develop "communication systems and a clear strategic direction" to enable collaborative work.
• Classroom practice needs improvement to support pupils to become "more independent learners" rather than relying on adult direction.
• Leaders must devise "robust systems to monitor, evaluate and review" pupil progress, attendance, and special educational needs provision.

Safeguarding

The report states that the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils "broadly meet requirements," although a concern regarding the security of the entrance gate was noted.