Mauldeth Road Primary School, located in Withington, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where all pupils, including those in early years, exhibit happiness, politeness, and respect towards one another. The students are sociable and express that they feel safe within the school premises. The leadership team maintains high expectations for student achievements, ensuring that the curriculum is broad and ambitious. This approach allows all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to achieve commendable results.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values, which emphasize kindness, courtesy, and cooperation. They take pride in their school and look forward to attending daily. During social times, pupils behave well, and any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively by the leadership. The school also provides opportunities for outdoor learning and unique experiences, such as exploring the school’s yurt. Parents and carers express overwhelming positivity regarding the school, particularly appreciating the individualized care their children receive from the staff.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including various sports clubs like gymnastics and cricket, which help develop pupils' interests. Leaders ensure that students are well-prepared for their transition to secondary school, exemplified by initiatives like the recent ‘aspirations week’ where former pupils shared their career paths with current students. The curriculum is ambitious and well-delivered by staff, who are clear about the knowledge pupils need to acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. However, there are a few subjects where the key knowledge is not as clearly defined, leading to less depth in pupils' understanding compared to other subjects.
Teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to present the curriculum clearly, regularly checking for understanding and addressing misconceptions swiftly. They ensure that new concepts are introduced only when pupils have grasped previous learning, resulting in high-quality work from students who are eager to succeed. The school prioritizes speech and language development from the early years through to Year 6, preparing children effectively for future academic demands.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with a wealth of high-quality texts available to engage pupils. The phonics curriculum is consistently delivered, enabling pupils to read confidently. Staff effectively assess and support those who struggle with reading, ensuring that nearly all pupils can read fluently by the end of Year 2. The school is proactive in identifying the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing effective support to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
The school promotes respect and celebration of diversity, teaching pupils the importance of inclusivity. Achievements in extracurricular activities are regularly recognized, and pupils learn about democracy through participation in electing school councillors. The school maintains high behavioral expectations, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. Staff feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established by the leadership team. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of risk and follow appropriate procedures. Overall, Mauldeth Road Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
