Marshfields School, located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 20th and 21st of September 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school caters to pupils with a wide range of learning difficulties and provides a supportive environment where students thrive and develop confidence. Pupils engage actively in class discussions and are encouraged to undertake tasks independently. The relationships among pupils and staff are positive, fostering a culture of mutual support.
The curriculum at Marshfields is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils receive a similar educational experience to their peers in mainstream settings, with necessary adaptations to meet individual needs. Most pupils leave the school with qualifications that prepare them for future learning, work, or adult life. The school emphasizes organization, with pupils effectively using planners to manage their schedules. They benefit from a variety of specialist teaching and facilities, including dedicated spaces for art, technology, and science. The pupils take pride in their appearance and their school.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with most pupils demonstrating a strong work ethic. While a few students may struggle with remaining focused in the classroom, staff are adept at providing support to help them return to learning quickly. There has been a noted reduction in incidents of challenging behaviour over the past six months, indicating progress in this area.
Marshfields School excels in its curriculum design, which builds progressively in each subject towards clear end goals. Departments have tailored their curricula to meet the specific needs of their classes, ensuring that all pupils, particularly those in key stages four and five, work towards recognized qualifications. The school maintains a strong focus on English and mathematics, requiring all pupils to study these subjects until the end of key stage five.
The school’s approach to teaching is characterized by careful planning and the use of engaging activities that motivate pupils. Reading is a significant focus, with a well-stocked library and English lessons centered around high-interest texts. Phonics instruction is provided to younger pupils, contributing to steady progress in reading skills.
Marshfields places a high value on careers education, offering regular industry visits and work experience opportunities for key stage five pupils. The personal, social, and health education curriculum has recently been reviewed, and while it is in the early stages of implementation, pupils demonstrate an understanding of important concepts such as online safety and consent.
The school environment is calm and structured, with pupils participating in various clubs during lunchtime, which helps keep them engaged. The leadership team is cohesive and supportive, fostering a positive atmosphere among staff. Governors are actively involved in supporting the school’s work, although some require further training to enhance their effectiveness.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. A small number of pupils exhibit challenging behaviour, and the school must continue to implement strategies to address this. Additionally, ensuring that all governors possess the necessary training and knowledge to effectively support and challenge the school’s leadership is essential for ongoing improvement. Overall, Marshfields School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, with a focus on continuous development and support.
