St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Sheffield has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in the recent inspection conducted on 18 and 19 October 2022. The school is characterized by its inclusive and welcoming environment, where staff prioritize the safety and well-being of pupils. The religious ethos is central to the school's operations, fostering an understanding of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural issues among students. The school effectively supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who speak English as an additional language. Enrichment activities, such as the ‘READy breakfast’ and Young Voices, contribute to a vibrant school culture.
The high expectations set by staff for both learning and behavior are evident in the exceptional attitudes displayed by pupils. They demonstrate respect for one another and their teachers, and incidents of poor behavior are addressed fairly. Bullying is rare, and pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns with trusted adults. The school’s mission, which emphasizes achieving excellence through faith and learning, is reflected in the ambitious curriculum. Pupils take pride in their school and enjoy participating in collective worship and leadership opportunities.
The curriculum is undergoing continuous development, with leaders ensuring that the content is coherently sequenced across most subjects. Key knowledge is identified in areas such as music, mathematics, and history, allowing pupils to build on their learning effectively. However, some subjects require further development to ensure consistency in quality. Where the curriculum is well-structured, pupils learn effectively, with teachers planning for knowledge retention through revisiting concepts. For instance, early years pupils apply their mathematical knowledge in play, while key stage two pupils engage in quizzes that reinforce their understanding of historical topics.
Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction beginning as soon as children start school. Pupils express enthusiasm for reading and frequently borrow books from the school library. While most pupils develop confidence and comprehension in reading, a small number struggle due to being assigned books that do not align with their phonics knowledge, hindering their fluency development.
The personal development curriculum is tailored to meet pupils' needs, promoting excellent behavior and positive attitudes. It prepares them for life in modern Britain, emphasizing mental and physical health, relationships, and respect for diverse faiths and cultures. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities and actively participate in fundraising for charities.
Governance is strong, with governors providing support and challenge to school leaders. Trust leaders maintain oversight of the school's improvement efforts, ensuring that leadership changes are effectively managed. Staff well-being is a priority, and teachers appreciate the support they receive to enhance their practice. Most parents and carers hold the school in high regard, feeling that their children are treated as part of a family.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety and well-being. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding procedures and are vigilant in identifying potential risks. The curriculum also educates pupils on how to keep themselves safe and report concerns.
To improve further, the school should ensure that all pupils are provided with reading materials that accurately match their phonics knowledge to enhance their reading fluency. Additionally, leaders need to focus on providing subject leaders with the necessary training and support to ensure a consistently high-quality curriculum across all subjects.
