St Mary’s Voluntary Controlled Church of England Junior School in Ware, Hertfordshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school provides a warm and friendly environment where pupils quickly adapt to school life due to clear rules and routines established by the teachers. Students express enthusiasm for their learning and demonstrate a strong work ethic. The high expectations set by the teachers contribute to positive behavior among pupils, fostering a safe atmosphere where they feel secure. In instances of bullying, pupils are confident that staff will assist them in resolving issues.
The curriculum at St Mary’s is broad and engaging, allowing pupils to explore various subjects and develop their interests, preparing them well for secondary education. The school prioritizes sports and health, with initiatives such as running a mile regularly and learning about nutrition to enhance stamina. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, who approach these roles with responsibility and enthusiasm. The school promotes inclusivity, teaching pupils to appreciate commonalities among individuals, which aids in fostering understanding and connections.
Leaders at the school have carefully considered the skills and knowledge they wish pupils to acquire across all subjects. The curriculum plans are sequential, building on prior knowledge. However, in some areas, the broad nature of the knowledge steps can make it challenging for teachers to ensure precise content is taught and assessed effectively. Teachers are encouraged to reinforce previous learning, which aids in retention of important knowledge. In established subjects, teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, leading to good pupil achievement. Recent changes in some subjects are being monitored to ensure they positively impact pupil outcomes.
Reading is emphasized as a priority, with assessments conducted to identify pupils who may need additional support. Those who struggle with reading receive immediate intervention, and the school employs phonetic methods to help pupils blend and decode words. The support continues until pupils can read confidently and independently, with various strategies in place to foster a love for reading among students.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive adequate support from trained staff, who collaborate with class teachers to provide tailored tasks. However, not all pupils with SEND have specific targets, which can complicate planning and progress tracking. The school is committed to inclusivity and aims to enhance the support provided to these pupils.
The personal development program is comprehensive, adapting to the needs of pupils. British values, including democracy, are taught, and pupils engage in discussions about diversity with confidence. Most pupils exhibit good behavior, remaining calm and respectful during lessons. Any disruptive behavior is addressed promptly, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Leadership and governance at St Mary’s reflect a shared vision and values, prioritizing staff well-being and providing necessary support. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize vulnerable pupils and respond swiftly to concerns. While records are maintained accurately, leaders acknowledge the need for a centralized system to streamline information retrieval.
Overall, St Mary’s Voluntary Controlled Church of England Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education in a supportive environment. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement, particularly in refining curriculum planning and enhancing support for pupils with SEND.
