Morley Memorial Primary School in Cambridge has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 13 and 14, 2024. The school is known for its inclusive environment where all students feel welcome and valued. Staff members are familiar with each pupil, fostering a sense of trust and safety among students. This supportive atmosphere contributes to the happiness and well-being of the pupils, who are confident in sharing any concerns with trusted adults.
From the early years onward, students respond positively to the high expectations set by the school regarding behavior and learning. They understand the school's values and demonstrate exemplary behavior. Pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning, participating in a variety of interesting activities and enrichment opportunities. Outdoor learning experiences are particularly emphasized, helping students develop resilience, risk-taking abilities, and independence. The curriculum is further enhanced by diverse trips and visits, including museums and theater performances, with Year 5 students participating in an annual Shakespeare festival.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including choir, board games, art, and drama, alongside various sporting opportunities. Older pupils take on leadership roles, acting as buddies for younger students and contributing to the school council, which promotes a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
The curriculum at Morley Memorial Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge across subjects. Leaders regularly review the curriculum to maximize its impact on learning. While most subjects have effective cross-curricular links, there are a few areas where these connections could be improved to fully align with the school's high aspirations.
Staff development is a priority, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effective teaching practices. They utilize assessments to monitor pupil progress and address any learning gaps. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. Reading is a central focus, with expert staff teaching phonics effectively, enabling pupils to become fluent readers by the end of Year 1. The school promotes a love of reading through a diverse selection of high-quality books, fostering vocabulary development and awareness of the world.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the full curriculum with appropriate support. Pupil behavior is commendable, with a calm and focused atmosphere throughout the school. Attendance is generally high, supported by effective systems to address any absenteeism.
Morley Memorial Primary School excels in providing opportunities for personal development through a well-designed PSHE curriculum. Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles, positive relationships, and mental health, contributing to their overall well-being. The school council, led by Year 6 pupils, enhances understanding of democracy and ensures that all students have a voice.
Governors are well-informed and actively hold school leaders accountable, while staff feel valued and supported in their roles. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing the connections between subjects in the curriculum to deepen pupils' understanding and ensure that ambitious goals are met. Overall, Morley Memorial Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for its pupils.
