Mordiford CofE Primary School, located in Hereford, Herefordshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on December 6 and 7, 2023, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and growth.
The headteacher, Mrs. Sue Warmington, leads the school, which is part of a trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Reverend Chris Moore. The school has a strong community ethos, emphasizing the motto to treasure each individual, which fosters a caring atmosphere. Parents and pupils express high levels of satisfaction with the school, praising the dedication of the staff and the leadership provided by the headteacher. Pupils enjoy their learning experiences and have high attendance rates, indicating a positive school culture.
Mordiford CofE Primary School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that support its ambition for pupils to excel. Opportunities for exploration and discovery extend beyond the classroom, with clubs such as football, debating, yoga, and even quidditch. Enrichment afternoons allow pupils to develop skills through activities like forest school and participation in competitions and performances. The school prioritizes pupil safety, ensuring that students feel secure and know they can seek help from trusted adults if needed. Personal safety education is integrated into the curriculum, teaching pupils how to navigate various situations, including online safety.
The school has made significant strides in developing an ambitious curriculum that clearly outlines the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary pupils should acquire. Learning is introduced in manageable steps, allowing pupils to build their understanding gradually. However, some areas still require refinement, particularly in linking the early years curriculum with the progression seen in later years. Staff provide strong support in the early years, focusing on communication, social, and physical skills development. In key stages one and two, specialist teaching in certain subjects enhances pupils' expertise.
Reading is a key focus at the school, with various initiatives encouraging a love for reading among pupils. The school has established robust systems to ensure regular reading at school and home, with additional support for those who struggle. However, there are concerns regarding the alignment of reading materials with phonics lessons, which can hinder progress for some pupils.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with most pupils displaying politeness and courtesy. Nonetheless, there are instances in a few classes where younger pupils may not consistently exhibit the expected behaviour, leading to minor disruptions. The school is encouraged to ensure that all staff maintain high expectations for behaviour and consistently implement the behaviour policy.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of the school's values, including respect and equality, and they engage in various community events and leadership roles that build their confidence. The governing body is knowledgeable and actively supports the school, ensuring safety and compliance with statutory duties while being mindful of staff well-being.
Overall, the school has established a positive learning environment with effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The inspection highlighted areas for further development, particularly in refining the curriculum and ensuring consistent behaviour management across all classes. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address these areas for improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education.
