Melton Primary School, located in Woodbridge, Suffolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on September 29 and 30, 2021. The school provides a positive learning environment where pupils are enthusiastic about their education. The curriculum is designed to engage students and broaden their knowledge across various subjects, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational stages. The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, gardening, cooking, and yoga, which pupils greatly appreciate. From their first day, students learn about their responsibilities towards themselves and others, fostering a culture of respect and understanding for diverse backgrounds.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating thoughtfulness and consideration for their peers. The relationships between staff and students are characterized by positivity, with pupils feeling cared for and supported. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students alongside their academic achievements, equipping them with strategies to overcome challenges. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly, ensuring that pupils feel heard and supported.
Parents generally express positive views about the school, highlighting the caring approach of the staff and the well-rounded education their children receive. The leadership team has carefully considered the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire in each subject, contributing to their overall success. The curriculum for early reading and mathematics is well-established, with teachers effectively planning lessons that build on prior knowledge. In mathematics, pupils are developing fluency in calculations, and teachers ensure that understanding is secure before introducing new concepts.
The school employs a systematic approach to teaching phonics, with daily sessions that help pupils practice and solidify their phonics knowledge. Books are selected to match the phonics being taught, and less fluent readers receive regular support to help them catch up. However, there is recognition that additional reading support needs to be more consistent across the school to enhance pupils' independence and confidence as readers.
In the early years, children engage in activities that develop their listening and speaking skills, quickly adapting to school routines. They learn to form letters correctly and develop mathematical understanding. However, there is a noted inconsistency in the emphasis on handwriting fluency as pupils progress, which affects older students' ability to write clearly.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieve well, as staff are knowledgeable about how to support their individual needs. The school promotes a love of reading, with carefully chosen class readers that engage pupils and deepen their understanding of various subjects. The focus on mental health and well-being has increased since the pandemic, with pupils learning techniques to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts.
Governors are well-informed and actively monitor the school's progress, ensuring that leadership efforts positively impact all pupils. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. They are well-trained to recognize signs of potential abuse and follow procedures for reporting concerns. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, and families receive support to access necessary resources.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Consistency in support for weaker readers needs to be enhanced, and staff should receive further guidance to develop their subject knowledge in specific areas. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the curriculum is implemented effectively across all subjects, including handwriting fluency. Overall, Melton Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
