Marine Park First School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils and staff live out the motto ‘Hand in hand we learn together’ in a ‘calm, purposeful learning atmosphere’. Leaders have made a ‘strong start with curriculum planning’ and maintain high expectations for pupils academically and socially. The inspection notes that the school is ‘on a journey to continue to develop the quality of education’, particularly regarding assessment systems and specific subject provisions.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate ‘excellent understanding of the fundamental British values’ and their understanding of equality is described as ‘exemplary’.
• Reading is a high priority; staff use the phonics scheme ‘very well’ and books are ‘closely matched to pupils’ phonics abilities’.
• The school choir produces ‘tuneful, rhythmic, two-part singing’ of an ‘extremely high standard’.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive ‘effective interventions’ and are ‘making pleasing progress’.
• Staff feel ‘well supported by leaders with their workload and well-being’.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure mathematics work provides an ‘appropriate level of challenge’, as some pupils are not making as much progress as they could.
• Leaders need to ‘develop and embed the effective use of assessment in RE’ so teachers have a clear understanding of pupil knowledge.
• Leaders must ‘develop the outdoor provision’ in early years to ensure resources promote learning across the full curriculum, matching indoor opportunities.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with leaders promoting an ‘effective culture’ and ensuring staff are well trained to raise concerns.