St Peter's CofE Primary Academy, Mansfield

Overview

Pupils enjoy attending this school, feeling it is “theirs” and that staff “want the best for them all.” The report describes a welcoming culture where every pupil is supported, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and vulnerable children. Leaders have created an environment where pupils behave well, feel safe, and are keen to learn.

Strengths

• Staff provide “tailored support” for pupils with SEND, which is identified as a “strength of the school.”
• The curriculum is “well designed,” with effective lesson sequences helping pupils “close the gaps in their knowledge” caused by the pandemic.
• Early years provision is strong, with staff using a “well-planned and well-delivered programme” to teach reading and communication skills.
• Pupils’ personal development is good, with a strong emphasis on respect, online safety, and high-quality “nurture provision” for those who have experienced trauma.
• Staff morale is high, with staff believing leaders “take account of their workload and treat them fairly.”

Areas to improve

• Senior leaders must support new foundation subject leaders so they become “confident and sufficiently skilled” to support colleagues.
• Leaders should implement a “robust system” for collecting and analysing assessment data in all subjects to quickly address gaps in pupil retention.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with “meticulous” records and staff who receive regular training and know their responsibilities to report concerns without delay.