Minety Church of England Primary School, located in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, fostering positive relationships among pupils, and ensuring a supportive environment for all students. Pupils thrive in this setting, displaying confidence and eagerness to engage with visitors about their experiences at school. The leadership team has a clear vision for the school, emphasizing high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This ambition is reflected in the enthusiasm pupils show for their lessons, with many expressing excitement about their learning experiences.
The school has implemented effective behavior management systems that are understood by both staff and pupils, leading to improvements in behavior. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, with bullying being rare and swiftly addressed by staff when it occurs. The school prioritizes mental and physical health, teaching pupils how to seek help for their social and emotional well-being. Parental support for the school is strong, with many parents praising its welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.
The new headteacher has quickly engaged with the community and identified areas for improvement. The curriculum has been strengthened, particularly in early years and core subjects like English and mathematics. However, there is a need for better assessment practices across the wider curriculum to ensure that pupils' knowledge and skills are effectively monitored over time. Pupils enjoy learning, with teachers making lessons engaging and relevant. For instance, early years pupils showed great interest in activities that helped them understand concepts of time.
In subjects such as mathematics and reading, leaders have clearly defined learning objectives and broken down content into manageable steps, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. The emphasis on reading is evident, with well-trained staff delivering effective phonics programs. Pupils read regularly and are encouraged to explore a variety of authors, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond the classroom.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is well-coordinated, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to thrive alongside their peers. The school has high expectations for behavior, and pupils understand the rewards and consequences associated with their actions. They engage positively with one another, and older pupils often take on mentoring roles for younger students.
Beyond the academic curriculum, pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and music festivals, and have opportunities for residential trips. Staff feel valued and supported, with leaders mindful of their workload. The governing body is actively involved in the school's operations, providing oversight and challenge where necessary.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff receive regular training and are well-versed in identifying and reporting concerns. Pupils feel secure and know how to seek help if needed, including understanding online safety.
While the school has many strengths, it must focus on developing precise assessment procedures in foundation subjects to better track pupil progress. This will enable leaders to gain a clearer understanding of how well the curriculum is being followed and how effectively pupils are learning across all subjects. Overall, Minety Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
