Meysey Hampton Church of England Primary School, located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, was inspected on 15 and 16 November 2022. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 17 years ago, when it received an outstanding rating. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine evaluations until November 2020.
The school provides a supportive and engaging environment for its pupils, who are reported to enjoy their learning experiences. The early years curriculum is particularly effective, allowing children to start their educational journey positively. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students alongside their academic achievements, offering a variety of enrichment activities such as learning to play the violin and participating in residential visits. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as mentoring younger students, which fosters a sense of community and respect among them.
Behaviour within the school is commendable, with pupils displaying politeness and good manners. Attendance rates are high, and parents express satisfaction with the supportive nature of the staff. Pupils feel safe and happy, knowing they can rely on their teachers for assistance with any concerns they may have.
The school has made significant strides in its reading curriculum, with a strong emphasis on phonics. Young pupils are provided with books that align closely with their phonics learning, enabling them to progress effectively in their reading skills. Teachers actively promote reading comprehension through discussions and questions about various texts, which enhances pupils' understanding and enjoyment of reading.
Leadership at the school is ambitious, with a clear vision for both academic and personal development. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that essential knowledge is identified and taught effectively. However, there are areas within the wider curriculum where planning and implementation could be improved. Some subjects do not consistently reinforce essential knowledge, which can hinder pupils' ability to make connections between different topics.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing appropriate support and resources. Leaders are working to enhance the support for these pupils by establishing clearer individual targets that are regularly monitored.
Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated, and staff are skilled in helping pupils understand their emotions and actions. The school promotes physical and mental health through various initiatives, ensuring that pupils are equipped to make positive choices in their lives.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough checks in place for staff and volunteers. Staff receive training to identify the needs of vulnerable pupils, and appropriate actions are taken to address any concerns. Pupils are educated on online safety, ensuring they understand how to protect themselves in the digital world.
Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the intended curriculum is implemented effectively across all subjects. Leaders are encouraged to support teachers in delivering and assessing essential content consistently. The school community is committed to fostering a positive learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of all its pupils.
