Tickhill St Mary's Church of England Primary and Nursery School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection on November 17 and 18, 2021. The school is characterized by a welcoming and happy atmosphere, where pupils, staff, and parents describe it as a large, supportive family. The core values of kindness, acceptance, fairness, honesty, and respect are integral to the school's culture, fostering warm relationships between staff and pupils, all underpinned by a strong Christian ethos.
The leadership team, including governors and staff, maintains high expectations for all students. The curriculum is broad and engaging, with teachers carefully planning visits and events that enhance learning experiences. Pupils demonstrate kindness and helpfulness, looking out for one another, which contributes to the rarity of bullying incidents. When conflicts arise, pupils are guided by adults to resolve their issues amicably. Visitors to the school find pupils to be friendly and eager to discuss their work and activities.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, and they take pride in their roles, represented by special badges. There is a strong emphasis on valuing diversity, with pupils learning to respect and care for their peers, animals, and the environment. Leaders are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Recent initiatives in mathematics and early reading have been implemented, with staff receiving appropriate training, resulting in noticeable positive impacts on pupils' learning.
Reading is prioritized, with leaders selecting quality texts to enrich learning. Pupils enjoy the stories read to them and are motivated to read more through creative initiatives, such as earning stamps in their reading passports for exploring different countries. The school has established clear milestones for phonics instruction, ensuring pupils gain confidence and fluency in reading. Adults provide timely support in lessons, helping all pupils keep pace with their learning.
Curriculum plans across subjects are coherently sequenced, breaking down learning into manageable steps to prevent overwhelming pupils. While pupils excel in subjects like mathematics, English, and history, there is recognition that retention of knowledge in some other subjects needs improvement. Leaders are actively working to implement consistent assessment strategies across the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention.
The early years curriculum is ambitious and designed to prepare children for future learning. Teachers create engaging experiences for children both indoors and outdoors, allowing them to practice their skills in various contexts. The school is inclusive, providing appropriate support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they feel comfortable and can participate fully in school life.
Pupils exhibit strong learning behaviors, with a vibrant atmosphere of engagement in classrooms. They take pride in their work and are eager to share their knowledge. Positive behavior extends beyond lessons, with pupils actively looking after one another and participating in initiatives like the Friendship Force, which promotes a supportive environment during break times.
The school excels in preparing pupils to be caring and active citizens through various events that celebrate diversity. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, including caring for animals at the school. The range of outdoor activities offered through forest school lessons and residential trips further enriches their experiences.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff and governors. They are well-trained to recognize and address specific risks, ensuring pupils' safety. Pupils are educated on self-safety, supported by expert visitors and planned events. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders acknowledging areas for development, particularly in enhancing knowledge retention across the wider curriculum.
