St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Marnhull has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 17 and 18, 2023. The school is recognized for its inclusive environment where pupils embody values such as respect, compassion, forgiveness, and tolerance. Students express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting the friendships they form and the acceptance they experience. The leadership team effectively utilizes pupils’ experiences and interests to create a meaningful curriculum that engages students and fosters their confidence and interest in learning.
Parents feel assured that their children are safe and well cared for, appreciating the regular communication from staff regarding their children's progress and how they can support learning at home. Although there have been instances of bullying in the past, pupils report that it is no longer an issue, as leaders actively monitor and address any conflicts among students. The school promotes a culture of understanding and forgiveness, encouraging pupils to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.
The curriculum has been improved to be broad and ambitious, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers structure learning effectively, promoting deep thinking and understanding over time. For instance, Year 2 pupils engaged in a history lesson that required them to analyze changes from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, demonstrating their ability to connect prior knowledge with new concepts.
The focus on language development has enhanced pupils' vocabulary usage, with staff in the preschool modeling language effectively. However, there is a noted inconsistency in how pupils apply their knowledge of spelling and punctuation across the curriculum, indicating an area for improvement. In the early years, children receive a solid foundation, with staff knowledgeable about childhood development and providing activities that promote independence and knowledge building.
Reading is emphasized as a central component of learning, with high-quality instruction enabling pupils to read confidently and accurately. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding of phonics and provide additional support to those who may struggle. Pupils enjoy reading stories that broaden their understanding of the world around them.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs, providing staff training to ensure effective adaptations in learning. This support helps these pupils attend school regularly and progress well. Behaviour in the school is generally good, with staff addressing low-level disruptions promptly.
The personal development curriculum is designed to cultivate reflective and caring individuals who appreciate diversity. Pupils learn about faith and cultural differences, although the teaching of fundamental British values is not yet systematic, which limits pupils' understanding of these concepts.
Staff express pride in their school, noting the support they receive from leaders and governors in managing their workload and well-being. Governors are actively involved in monitoring the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing both challenge and support to the leadership team.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a culture of safety for pupils. Staff are trained to recognize safeguarding risks and are vigilant in observing changes in pupil behaviour. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, both online and offline.
To enhance the school further, leaders need to ensure that teachers consistently raise expectations for pupils' writing across all subjects and systematically incorporate the teaching of British values into the curriculum. This will help pupils develop a deeper understanding of these important concepts and better prepare them for life in modern society.
