St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School in Stockport has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 27 and 28 June 2023. The school is characterized by a caring environment where pupils enjoy learning and feel safe. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a positive atmosphere, and leaders are proactive in addressing any bullying or unkind behavior. This supportive environment fosters a sense of happiness and well-being among students.
Pupils generally respond well to the high expectations set by school leaders, demonstrating good behavior in various settings, including classrooms and playgrounds. Recent changes to the behavior policy have clarified rules and expectations, helping pupils to be ready to learn. The school promotes cooperation among students, and children from Reception to Year 6, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well and meet the expectations set by leaders.
The curriculum at St Matthew’s is ambitious and broad, with a clear focus on key knowledge that pupils are expected to learn. Subject leaders are well-equipped to support teachers in delivering the curriculum effectively. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and use this information to inform their teaching, helping students to connect prior knowledge with new concepts. While most subjects see pupils achieving well, there are a few areas where some teachers do not reinforce prior learning effectively, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils.
In the early years, children develop positive attitudes towards learning and gradually improve their concentration. However, some staff are still enhancing their skills to design learning experiences that deepen understanding, which can hinder some children’s readiness for Year 1. The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, with phonics instruction starting in Reception. Staff are trained to deliver the phonics program effectively, and there is a consistent approach across the school. Pupils are provided with books that align with their phonics knowledge, and staff are adept at identifying gaps in reading skills, ensuring timely support for those who need it.
Pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of texts and are exposed to a range of authors, which helps to foster a love of reading. The school has effective systems in place to identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate support to succeed. Parents and carers generally express satisfaction with how the school prepares pupils for transitions, both into Reception and to secondary school.
The school promotes a culture of safeguarding, with all staff receiving regular training to recognize and report concerns regarding pupil welfare. Pupils are educated about safety, including online dangers, which contributes to their overall well-being.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, pupils lack sufficient opportunities to revisit and reinforce earlier learning, which can affect their retention of knowledge. Additionally, some early years staff need further development to enhance their teaching practices, ensuring that all children are well-prepared for future educational challenges. Overall, St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
