All Saints Maldon Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection conducted on July 19 and 20, 2022. The school provides a nurturing and safe environment where pupils thrive and enjoy their educational experience. Students express a strong sense of belonging and appreciate the supportive atmosphere that encourages them to be themselves. The school promotes respect for diversity, and pupils actively engage in initiatives such as mental health champions and kindness programs, which contribute to a culture where bullying is exceptionally rare. When issues arise, staff are quick to mediate and resolve conflicts effectively.
Pupils demonstrate high expectations for each other's behavior and respond positively to the rewards system in place. Disruptions to lessons due to poor behavior are infrequent, and students are quick to correct themselves when necessary. The behavior of pupils, including those in the early years, is commendable. The curriculum is designed to engage students, with innovative hooks that make learning enjoyable. Pupils express excitement about their lessons and the related trips that enhance their understanding of various topics.
The school offers a broad range of experiences that complement its curriculum, allowing every child to shine. Opportunities for involvement in musical clubs, charity fundraising, and intergenerational projects, such as the Maldon Up initiative, are embraced by pupils. Older students serve as excellent role models for younger children. The personal, social, health, and economic education program, along with the values curriculum, effectively supports pupils in becoming happy and confident learners.
The school's curriculum, known as the shine curriculum, is well-structured and begins in Reception. It follows a topic-based approach that aligns with the national curriculum. Curriculum leaders have thoughtfully organized the sequence in which key knowledge is taught, and detailed plans guide teachers on what to teach and when. This structure enables teachers to assess pupils' understanding and identify those who may need additional support. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, making lessons engaging and memorable, which helps pupils build their knowledge over time. For example, in art, students develop their skills progressively, resulting in high-quality work by Year 6. In mathematics, children learn foundational number facts in Reception and grow into confident mathematicians.
Teachers effectively adapt lessons to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students access an ambitious curriculum. Reading is a fundamental aspect of the school's curriculum, with each topic enriched by a variety of books. The school has recently updated its phonics teaching approach, starting in Reception, where children explore books and learn letters and sounds. While most staff support weaker readers effectively, a small number are still becoming familiar with the new scheme, leading to inconsistent support for some pupils.
The life skills and PSHE program is well-planned, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. The school's twelve values are systematically integrated into the curriculum and wider experiences, fostering confident and independent learners who understand important topics such as health and friendship. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior and employ a fair and consistent approach to managing any issues that arise. The positive reinforcement system ensures that pupils are recognized for their good behavior, contributing to a calm and purposeful school environment.
Leaders prioritize the well-being of both staff and pupils, providing various training opportunities and support. Changes within the school are implemented thoughtfully to avoid negatively impacting staff workload. Parents and staff express overwhelming positivity regarding the school's leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns promptly. The school ensures that pupils and their families receive appropriate support when needed. High-quality teaching equips pupils with knowledge about risks and safety, fostering trust in the adults within the school.
To further improve, the school must ensure that all staff are adequately trained in the new phonics scheme to provide consistent support for pupils' phonics knowledge. Overall, All Saints Maldon Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
