St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School is a small yet vibrant institution located in Hartfield, East Sussex. The school is characterized by its strong Christian values of love, strength, and faith, which are deeply embedded in its culture. Pupils express a sense of pride in their school, describing it as a close-knit community where they feel safe and supported. The staff at the school are dedicated and knowledgeable, ensuring that each child receives the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
During the inspection, it was evident that pupils are encouraged to develop their learning skills, often referred to as learning powers, which help them to persevere and solve problems independently. The school promotes a caring environment where kindness is paramount, and older students take on responsibilities such as acting as buddies for younger pupils, fostering a sense of community and support among students.
The curriculum at St Mary the Virgin is designed to be engaging and ambitious, motivating pupils to enjoy their lessons. Leaders are proactive in identifying areas for improvement within the curriculum to ensure that pupils are challenged appropriately. This approach is aimed at enhancing the overall learning experience and ensuring that pupils make significant progress across various subjects.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively introduce new concepts and vocabulary, which helps pupils to engage with the material. The teaching of reading is prioritized from the early years, with a focus on phonics and regular assessments to monitor progress. While most pupils meet the expected standards in phonics by the end of Year 1, there is a need for improvement in reading comprehension skills by the end of Key Stage 1.
The school is committed to inclusivity, providing tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Well-trained teaching assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that these pupils receive the necessary assistance to succeed in their learning. The Reception Year is characterized by a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop holistically, preparing them for the transition to Year 1.
Behaviour at the school is exemplary, with high expectations set by staff. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning, and classrooms are calm and focused. The relationships between staff and pupils, as well as among the pupils themselves, are characterized by mutual respect and support.
Extracurricular activities, including school trips and theme weeks, provide pupils with opportunities to learn in diverse ways and engage with important social issues. Staff members are passionate about their roles and work collaboratively to create a positive school environment. The leadership team is attentive to staff wellbeing, ensuring that workloads are manageable and that teachers feel valued.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, which is an essential aspect of their development.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing reading comprehension skills and ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential in reading by the end of Key Stage 1. Leaders are encouraged to continue refining the curriculum to increase the level of challenge across subjects. Overall, St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School is a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
