Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Mill Mead Primary School on 27 March 2018, following its previous judgment of good in April 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the guidance of Headteacher Mrs. Sue Nesbitt-Larking, has demonstrated strong leadership, fostering an environment where pupils can develop as individuals and make good progress across a broad curriculum. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the ‘6Rs’—resourceful, responsible, respectful, ready, resilient, and reflective—has positively impacted pupils, who express gratitude for the support they receive from their teachers. Pupils exhibit well-behaved and positive attitudes towards learning, taking pride in their school and serving as excellent ambassadors.
The school is committed to inclusivity, with strong relationships among adults, pupils, and the wider community. Feedback from parents, staff, and governors indicates high levels of satisfaction with the leadership. The majority of parents who participated in the Ofsted online questionnaire expressed confidence in the school’s management and would recommend it to others. Staff members appreciate the support and professional development opportunities provided, which enhance their teaching and leadership skills.
The leadership team is aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, with plans in place to drive further enhancements. Recent changes to the senior leadership structure have added capacity, and the focus is now on developing consistency among middle leaders. The school has made strides in improving educational outcomes, particularly for the most able pupils in reading, writing, and mathematics. The attainment of these pupils at the end of key stages one and two has been in line with or above national averages for similar starting points. Additionally, the school has strengthened its communication with parents, resulting in increased satisfaction regarding information about their children’s progress.
While there have been improvements in writing, the transfer of skills to other subjects remains a priority. Governors play an effective role in supporting and challenging the school, sharing the inclusive vision and contributing to its development through active participation in meetings and committees. They recognize the need for the recent leadership changes to be embedded and for progress in key stage one mathematics to improve.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils feeling safe and supported at school. Staff and parents agree on the effectiveness of the school’s approach to dealing with bullying, and pupils appreciate the personal, social, and health education curriculum that addresses important topics. The leadership team ensures that safeguarding arrangements are robust, with well-trained staff who understand their responsibilities.
The inspection findings highlighted the need for continued improvement in teaching quality, particularly for pupils with average prior attainment. While the quality of teaching has improved, there are instances where work does not sufficiently challenge pupils, particularly in early years and key stages one and two. Leaders are focused on ensuring that teachers plan more effectively to meet the diverse needs of all pupils.
In summary, Mill Mead Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with strong leadership and a commitment to inclusivity. The school is well-regarded by parents and staff, and there are clear plans for ongoing improvement in teaching and learning outcomes. The leadership team is dedicated to embedding recent changes and enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
