Marlfields Primary School, located in Congleton, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on March 12 and 13, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The headteacher, Sandra Isherwood, also serves as the chief executive officer of the Congleton Primary Academy Trust, which oversees the school alongside a board of trustees chaired by Margaret Gartside.
Pupils at Marlfields Primary School express enjoyment in their learning experiences and appreciate the supportive relationships they have with staff, who are described as genuinely caring. The school maintains high expectations for early years education, particularly in reading and mathematics, where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, perform well. Nonetheless, the school is in the process of finalizing its curriculum expectations in certain subjects, which has resulted in gaps in knowledge and a lack of depth in learning.
In the classroom, pupils exhibit good behavior, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment. The school's rules promote safety, readiness, and respect, which are well understood by the students. Pupils also benefit from a variety of extracurricular opportunities, such as drama workshops and leadership roles, which enhance their overall school experience.
While the school has developed an ambitious and engaging curriculum, it faces challenges in ensuring that all subjects are taught effectively. Some teachers lack clear guidance on what to teach and when, leading to inconsistencies in lesson delivery and gaps in pupils' knowledge. Additionally, assessment strategies are underdeveloped, making it difficult for the school to identify and address misconceptions in pupils' learning.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, supporting children's development and learning effectively. Staff are attentive to individual children's needs, tailoring activities to maximize engagement. The school has implemented a suitable early reading curriculum, fostering a love for storytelling and phonics among young learners. Staff are proactive in identifying pupils who may struggle with phonics, providing timely support to help them succeed.
Marlfields Primary School is committed to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, promoting values of responsibility and diversity. Older pupils report that new students are welcomed and included, fostering a positive school culture. Most staff are passionate about their roles, although some express concerns about workload management and the time allocated for their responsibilities.
Trustees and governors play a supportive role in the school's development, yet they have not consistently maintained oversight of key statutory responsibilities. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school must finalize its curriculum planning in certain subjects to provide a coherent learning journey for pupils. Subject leaders need more opportunities to monitor curriculum delivery, ensuring that all pupils receive a comprehensive education. Additionally, the school should enhance its assessment strategies to better identify and address gaps in knowledge. Compliance with statutory duties must also be prioritized to meet legal requirements fully. Overall, while Marlfields Primary School has strengths in various areas, focused efforts are needed to address the identified areas for improvement.
