Tonwell St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a small, welcoming institution located in Hertfordshire. The school has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on the 13th and 14th of September 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
The school environment is described as warm and friendly, where pupils feel safe and supported by the adults around them. The small size of the school fosters a close-knit community, allowing pupils to know each other well and play happily together during breaks. High expectations from adults encourage pupils to strive for their best, and they are beginning to achieve well across various subjects. Pupils take pride in their accomplishments and demonstrate respect for one another, contributing to a positive atmosphere with minimal bullying reported.
The leadership team has made commendable efforts to develop an ambitious curriculum that outlines essential knowledge for pupils. However, some curriculum plans lack sufficient detail, leading to occasional confusion among teachers regarding the key knowledge pupils need to learn. This has resulted in gaps in learning in a few subjects. Teachers generally introduce new knowledge at appropriate times, helping pupils build on prior learning, but in some cases, lessons may contain excessive information, hindering the intended learning outcomes.
Teachers receive regular training to effectively deliver the curriculum, and many appreciate the resources provided to assist in lesson planning. Assessment practices are in place to track pupil progress, but there are instances where this information is not consistently used to inform future teaching, leading to potential gaps in learning. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with early identification and appropriate interventions ensuring that these pupils make progress alongside their peers.
Behavior in the school is well-managed, with pupils rarely disrupting the learning of others. They demonstrate good concentration and engagement in lessons. The early years provision is particularly strong, with high expectations set for children, who respond positively and develop independence and curiosity. The curriculum in early years is effectively planned, preparing children well for the transition to key stage one.
Leaders and governors actively promote pupils' personal development, providing opportunities for social interaction and participation in events. The school collaborates with another local school, enhancing the range of experiences available to pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring that pupils receive timely support when needed.
Despite the positive aspects, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Leaders must ensure that all curriculum plans provide clear guidance on essential knowledge to facilitate effective learning progression. Additionally, consistent use of assessment data is necessary to identify and address gaps in pupils' learning. Overall, Tonwell St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is making significant strides in providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.