St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Fownhope, Herefordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 29 and 30, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where family, friends, and a supportive learning environment play a crucial role in the educational experience. Pupils demonstrate maturity and engage positively with each other and visitors, showing eagerness to learn. Overall behavior is good, although there are occasional reports of unkind words among pupils. While students acknowledge some instances of bullying, they express confidence in the staff's ability to address these issues effectively, appreciating the support they receive.
The school promotes physical activity through various initiatives, including a newly installed trim trail and popular breaktime activities such as tree climbing and den building. Older pupils take on leadership roles, helping younger students and embodying the school’s values. The nurturing relationships fostered by staff contribute significantly to the pupils' achievements, with high expectations set from the early years through to the upper classes.
The curriculum is comprehensive, with leaders actively working to ensure that subjects are well-planned and sequenced. Subject leaders are engaged in research to enhance teachers' subject knowledge and resource utilization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to monitoring the curriculum effectively, limiting the identification of areas for improvement. Teachers are utilizing new assessment systems effectively, and pupils are increasingly able to articulate their knowledge and understanding across subjects.
In the early years, children learn about their family history and personal growth, engaging in activities that encourage exploration and inquiry. The structured approach to early mathematics lays a solid foundation for understanding numbers and shapes, preparing pupils for future learning. Most pupils are progressing well in reading, although some lower-attaining students require additional support to achieve fluency. The school is working to restore reading routines disrupted by the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils are heard reading regularly.
Pupils enjoy reading and being read to, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary and expression in storytelling. However, there are concerns regarding the variety and condition of reading materials available, which may impact pupils' motivation to read. The leadership of special educational needs is effective, ensuring that all pupils, including those with additional needs, make good progress and develop important social skills.
Extracurricular opportunities are available, with clubs in sports, arts, and crafts, alongside swimming and residential trips. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that pupils are safe during play and learning. Staff are knowledgeable about their responsibilities regarding safeguarding and take prompt action when concerns arise.
To improve, the school needs to enhance communication regarding the handling of unkind behavior to reassure pupils that incidents are addressed. Additionally, there is a need to improve reading resources and routines to inspire a love of reading among all pupils. Strengthening subject leadership through professional development will also be essential for monitoring and improving the quality of education. Overall, St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
