St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Dilwyn has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11, 2023. The school embodies the ethos of “Living, loving and learning together,” which resonates with both pupils and parents. Students express a strong desire to attend school daily, attributing this to the supportive environment fostered by the staff. Parents appreciate the nurturing atmosphere that the school provides, and the leadership team maintains high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement. The positive attitudes and respectful behavior of the pupils contribute to a conducive learning environment, with effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying.
Pupils at St Mary’s achieve commendably, developing solid literacy and numeracy skills that bolster their confidence in other subjects. The curriculum is broad, covering a wide range of subjects, and leaders have clearly outlined the learning objectives in most areas. However, there are some subjects where further clarity is needed regarding the learning expectations. The school excels in supporting pupils' wider development, emphasizing health, well-being, online safety, and community awareness. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports and music, which enrich their educational experience.
The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, ensuring they reach their academic potential while also fostering emotional well-being and cultural understanding. Positive relationships among staff, children, and parents are evident, particularly in the early years, which helps children feel confident and happy. In core subjects like reading and mathematics, leaders have established clear knowledge and skill progression, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding effectively. However, in some subjects, the learning objectives are less defined, which can hinder pupils' ability to discuss their knowledge in depth.
Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and generally check pupils' understanding effectively. This practice helps prevent gaps in knowledge. Nonetheless, there are instances where teachers do not thoroughly verify pupils' comprehension of tasks, leading to incomplete work and potential learning gaps. This can impact pupils' retention of key subject knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are integrated into the same curriculum as their peers, with tailored support provided to ensure their learning needs are met.
The school prioritizes safeguarding, with leaders ensuring that all staff are trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. The small size of the school allows for daily interactions between safeguarding leaders and pupils, fostering an environment where students feel comfortable reporting concerns. The school also emphasizes the importance of online safety and personal safety in the community.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the key learning in all subjects is clearly sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Additionally, all teachers should consistently check for understanding to prevent gaps in learning. Overall, St Mary’s C of E Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with a clear path for continued improvement in teaching and learning practices.
