The Manor Church of England Primary School in Coalpit Heath, Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 13 and 14, 2021. The school is characterized by a dedicated team of staff who share a commitment to providing an engaging and memorable curriculum. Pupils express that the school’s motto, Shine like stars in the sky, inspires them to strive for their best. The school employs a unique approach called learning gems, which motivates students by recognizing positive learning behaviors such as collaboration and resilience.
Pupils demonstrate sensible behavior and understand the distinction between bullying and conflicts among friends. Most students report that bullying is not a significant issue, and they feel confident that teachers will address any concerns promptly. The school environment is described as happy and safe, fostering a sense of community among students and staff. The values of friendship, courage, and forgiveness are emphasized, helping to cultivate compassionate young citizens. Parents and carers largely commend the school for its strong leadership and the enthusiasm their children have for learning.
The school excels in several areas, particularly in the professional development of its teachers. Regular training ensures that educators become experts in their subjects, employing various strategies to reinforce learning. For instance, quizzes are carefully designed to help students revisit and retain essential knowledge, particularly in mathematics and history. From the outset, children in Reception develop a love for reading, supported by skilled staff who immerse them in a rich array of stories and rhymes. The phonics program is consistent, and teachers maintain high expectations, quickly identifying students who require additional support.
Older pupils exhibit strong reading habits, with many enjoying reading for pleasure. Incentives like Pebble in the Jar encourage daily reading, and students in Years 5 and 6 engage with challenging texts fluently and expressively. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge. Children confidently use mathematical vocabulary and engage in problem-solving from an early age.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring their involvement in all aspects of school life. Staff provide tailored support, breaking tasks into manageable steps to facilitate success. Personal development is enriched through discussions on social and global issues, and low-level disruption in classrooms is rare.
Governors are actively involved in supporting school leaders and hold them accountable for curriculum improvements. They ask pertinent questions to assess the impact of school improvement initiatives. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who know how to raise concerns. Pupils learn about safety, including the risks associated with social media, and feel comfortable discussing any issues with staff.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils at the early stages of reading occasionally struggle with fluency due to reading books that are too challenging. Leaders need to ensure that these students are provided with texts that align with their phonetic knowledge. Overall, The Manor Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
