St Matthew's CofE Primary School

Overview

The inspection describes a school where leaders have established a clear vision, resulting in an "orderly and respectful environment" and high staff morale. Pupils are "well prepared for their next stage of education," with attendance rates "well above national figures" and a culture where inclusion is central. While most aspects of the school operate at a strong standard, there are specific areas in the early years and curriculum depth that require refinement.

Strengths

• Attendance is high, with persistent absence "notably low" due to firm expectations and close tracking by staff.
• The curriculum is "ambitious, broad and well-sequenced," with staff demonstrating "depth of knowledge" and delivering teaching "extremely well."
• Inclusion is effective, with "skilful support" ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) fully access learning alongside peers.
• Pupils feel safe and supported, with staff responding to emotional struggles with "care and understanding" and bullying being rare.
• Disadvantaged pupils make "clear gains in both learning and confidence," supported by diligent use of additional funding.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, "consistently secure the detailed knowledge they need across the curriculum."
• In the early years, experiences should "build more closely on children’s prior learning" and adults should use "rich, purposeful talk" to develop vocabulary.
• Leaders should use data on enrichment engagement to shape the offer so it "reflects pupils’ interests and aspirations even more closely."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.