Manor Fields Primary School in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and included. Attendance is generally good, and children in the Reception class quickly adapt to routines due to a well-structured curriculum tailored to their needs. The school offers a broad curriculum, ensuring that all pupils, including those in the specialist resource base, receive a comprehensive education. Spanish is taught to every pupil, enhancing their language skills.
Pupils engage in various activities beyond the classroom, such as geographical fieldwork and visits to local attractions like the science museum and the pantomime. They also participate in charity events, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility. The school offers numerous extracurricular clubs, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils responding positively to the expectations set by staff. They exhibit good behaviour during lessons and social times, and instances of bullying are rare, with staff addressing any issues promptly.
Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, with all respondents to the Ofsted Parent View questionnaire indicating they would recommend the school to others. The leadership team regularly reviews the curriculum to ensure continuous improvement, and governors have effective systems in place to monitor the school's performance and compliance with statutory duties. The curriculum is well-defined, outlining the knowledge pupils should acquire across subjects, and staff generally implement it effectively.
However, there are areas for improvement. In the past, some pupils struggled to grasp complex concepts in English and mathematics early on, but leaders are addressing this issue. The teaching of mathematics has improved, allowing most pupils to apply their understanding effectively. The English curriculum is also being enhanced, with pupils gaining a better understanding of reading and writing earlier in their education. Despite this progress, a small number of older pupils are not receiving enough practice to deepen their English knowledge, which affects their writing skills.
The teaching of phonics is consistent and effective, with pupils learning to read well and spell accurately. Additional support is provided for those who struggle, helping them improve their reading fluency. While there are strategies in place to assess pupils' understanding, there are instances where teaching does not build sufficiently on prior knowledge, leading to slower progress for some pupils. Leaders must ensure that misconceptions are addressed promptly to enhance learning outcomes.
The school promotes equality, diversity, and healthy relationships, instilling values of empathy and citizenship in pupils. Attendance has improved due to leaders' efforts to address persistent absence, and staff workload is considered in decision-making. Safeguarding measures are effective, with robust recruitment checks and up-to-date training for staff. Pupils feel informed about safety, particularly online safety.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that teaching consistently builds on what pupils already know and addresses misconceptions swiftly. Additionally, adaptations to the English curriculum should be fully embedded to provide all pupils with the necessary practice to excel in their writing. Overall, Manor Fields Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all its pupils.
