St Mary's CofE (A) First School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that St Mary’s CofE (A) First School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “warm and welcoming” environment where pupils “thrive” and feel safe, supported by strong relationships built on the values of “love” and “respect.” Leadership is praised for being “very well led” and putting pupils’ interests at the heart of every decision.

Strengths

• Pupils are “well-mannered and polite,” showing “genuine care for each other” and pride in their school.
• Reading is central to the curriculum, with children regularly hearing “quality texts” and developing a love of reading.
• Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well, ensuring they can “access the same curriculum as their peers.”
• Teachers impart knowledge clearly, leading to “lively yet respectful discussions” where pupils confidently demonstrate their understanding.
• The school offers enriching experiences, including outdoor learning at ‘The Croft on the Heath’ and a well-designed personal, social and health education programme.

Areas to improve

• Staff must use assessment more consistently in phonics to identify specific gaps, ensuring struggling pupils receive effective support to “catch up with their peers.”
• Adults need to consistently apply the behaviour policy to address low-level disruption, preventing pupils from remaining “off task” and affecting others’ learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”