Maple Tree Primary School is recognized as a good school, providing a happy and inclusive environment for its pupils. The school emphasizes safety, kindness, and friendship, which are evident in the warm relationships among students and staff. Pupils are encouraged to adhere to the school's golden rules of being ready, respectful, and safe, fostering a culture of high expectations. They take pride in their work and celebrate each other's achievements during weekly assemblies. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with even the youngest children in the Reception class quickly adapting to school routines. The school promotes harmonious play and social interaction among pupils during recess and meal times.
The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that enhance the educational experience. Clubs are available during lunch and after school, catering for diverse interests such as sports, gardening, music, art, and science. Pupils also develop leadership skills through roles such as sports leaders and eco-warriors, and they participate in initiatives led by the pupil parliament, including fundraising and anti-bullying projects. The school choir actively engages with the community, performing at local events.
Maple Tree Primary School has developed an ambitious curriculum that builds on pupils' learning from early years through to key stages one and two. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of all pupils. For instance, early years pupils engage with stories that introduce historical concepts, preparing them for future learning in history. Recent curriculum plans in subjects like history and geography are already positively impacting pupils' learning.
Teachers present new concepts clearly and use effective questioning to assess understanding, adjusting their teaching as necessary. Various assessment methods are employed to evaluate pupils' learning at the end of units. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of assessment practices across subjects. Some curriculum leaders lack a complete understanding of how well pupils are learning, which hinders the ability to address knowledge gaps.
Reading is prioritized at Maple Tree Primary School, with numerous initiatives promoting a love for reading. Early years pupils develop phonemic awareness through stories and rhymes, while daily phonics lessons in Reception build foundational reading skills. As pupils progress, reading lessons in key stage two focus on fluency and advanced skills, ensuring that those who struggle receive additional support.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers. The expectations for behavior are clearly communicated, resulting in calm classrooms where learning is prioritized. The school’s values are integral to its culture, with staff regularly recognizing pupils for demonstrating positive behaviors.
The school community is characterized by a caring atmosphere, with a focus on well-being for both pupils and staff. The leadership team is mindful of managing staff workload, fostering an open-door culture that encourages support among colleagues. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all.
While the school has many strengths, it must continue to develop its assessment practices to provide a comprehensive understanding of pupil progress across all subjects. This will enable curriculum leaders to make informed adjustments to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. Overall, Maple Tree Primary School remains a good school, committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive community.
