Mansel Primary School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on March 21 and 22, 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in 2017. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with leaders fostering positive relationships with pupils and their families. This inclusive culture contributes to a safe and happy environment for students, who are aware that their current learning will benefit them in the future. The ambitious curriculum developed by the leaders supports pupils in achieving their aspirations, with various visitors, including local artists, inspiring them.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior, guided by the school’s established rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. Staff consistently apply these rules, which helps maintain a focused learning environment. When behavioral issues arise, staff promptly assist pupils in getting back on track. The school effectively addresses bullying, teaching pupils to treat each other with respect and resolving any incidents that occur. Attendance is also prioritized, with staff providing support to ensure pupils attend school regularly.
The school excels in its reading program, prioritizing literacy from early years onward. Staff are well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills, providing ample opportunities for practice and modeling effective reading strategies. Pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read and demonstrate comprehension of the material. In mathematics, early years children receive a strong foundation, with engaging activities that build their confidence in numerical skills. Older pupils continue to develop their mathematical knowledge through structured learning experiences.
While the school has defined key learning objectives in most subjects, there are areas for improvement, particularly in science. Leaders have not clearly identified all essential knowledge for pupils to retain, leading to some uncertainty among teachers regarding the curriculum. Additionally, some tasks assigned to pupils do not align with the intended learning outcomes, particularly in subjects like science and history. This misalignment can hinder pupils' focus on acquiring the most important knowledge.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance to access the full curriculum. Teachers utilize assessments to tailor learning experiences for these pupils, involving parents and carers in the development of support plans. Furthermore, the school emphasizes the importance of communication skills, helping pupils become confident speakers through various activities, including debates and structured language exercises.
Leaders and staff promote respectful attitudes among pupils, teaching them how to engage in disagreements constructively. The school offers extracurricular opportunities that enrich pupils' experiences, such as annual performances and visits from authors. Efforts are made to ensure all pupils can participate in after-school clubs, addressing any barriers to involvement.
Governance at Mansel Primary is effective, with governors challenging and supporting school leaders to enhance educational quality. Staff express pride in their work and feel well-supported by leadership. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. Overall, while Mansel Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas that require attention to ensure all pupils receive the best possible education.
