North Marston Church of England School, located in Buckinghamshire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school was rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, with outstanding early years provision. This reflects the school's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils at North Marston are described as confident and caring, taking pride in helping one another. They engage in various responsibilities, such as older students assisting younger ones during playtimes. The school emphasizes its core values of compassion, courage, and justice, which are integrated into the curriculum from the early years. For instance, Reception pupils explore traditional stories to understand these values meaningfully. The support for pupils with special educational needs is commendable, with staff and students learning Makaton sign language to enhance communication. The school fosters a safe environment where bullying is not tolerated, and any incidents are addressed promptly.
The curriculum at North Marston is ambitious and well-structured, with leaders carefully considering the knowledge they want pupils to acquire. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective teaching strategies that help pupils retain information. Pupils express enthusiasm for their subjects and understand the importance of revisiting concepts as they progress. The school also values experiential learning, with trips to local sites enhancing the curriculum. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development, which may limit pupils' potential achievements.
Phonics and early reading are prioritized, with a structured approach to teaching these skills. While most pupils receive books that align with their learning, some adjustments are still needed to ensure all pupils are adequately challenged. The school has recently implemented a clear reading strategy, and leaders are dedicated to fostering a love of reading among students.
In the early years, the school provides an inspiring learning environment with carefully planned resources that support all children, including those with special educational needs. Staff focus on assessing children's needs and promoting vocabulary development without limitations. The early years provision is characterized by engaging activities that captivate children's interest and encourage learning.
The school excels in promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with a program that aligns with its values. Staff utilize diverse texts and invite visitors to broaden pupils' understanding of different beliefs and backgrounds. Pupils enjoy various extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles, contributing to a vibrant school community.
Governance at North Marston is effective, with governors providing appropriate support and challenge to school leaders. They possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff appreciate the efforts made to consider their workload and well-being, and parents express support for the school's initiatives.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive training to recognize signs of abuse and know how to respond to concerns. The school maintains accurate safeguarding records, which are regularly reviewed by governors and local authorities.
Despite the positive aspects, the school acknowledges that some pupils are not achieving their full potential across the curriculum. Leaders are focused on ensuring that recent curriculum developments are fully embedded to enhance learning outcomes for all pupils. Additionally, there is a need to further define and sequence knowledge in some foundation subjects to support cumulative learning. Overall, North Marston Church of England School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for its pupils.
