Marshland St. James Primary and Nursery School is a welcoming institution located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The school has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on the 4th and 5th of May 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, the early years provision has been recognized as outstanding. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, where the school was rated as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Marshland St. James express enjoyment in their learning activities and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies. They are well-behaved and feel safe within the school environment. The leadership team has established high expectations for student achievement and has developed an effective curriculum that aligns with these standards. The early years curriculum is particularly noteworthy, as it prepares children exceptionally well for their transition to Year 1.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, with staff members knowing each pupil personally. This personal connection contributes to a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel cared for and valued. The school’s vision of believing, belonging, and being is evident in the way pupils engage with their learning and with one another. There is a strong emphasis on mutual respect, and pupils learn to appreciate diversity through interactions with peers from various backgrounds.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to ensure that all pupils can succeed. Staff effectively utilize connections between subjects and incorporate pupils’ interests into their teaching, creating memorable learning experiences. Teachers are adept at using assessment information to tailor their instruction, which helps pupils retain what they have learned. However, there are some subjects in key stages 1 and 2 where the curriculum is not as well defined, leading to gaps in pupils’ understanding.
Teachers regularly assess pupils’ learning and provide additional support when necessary, which aids in the development of skills and knowledge from Nursery through Year 6. The early years curriculum is exceptionally strong, with staff demonstrating a deep understanding of the learning needs of children. Reading is prioritized, with pupils beginning their reading journey as soon as they start school. Older pupils have access to a wide range of literature, fostering a love for reading and encouraging discussions about their favorite books.
The school has implemented a structured approach to phonics teaching, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support to improve their reading skills. Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing effective support to help them access the curriculum.
Behaviour policies are consistently enforced, and pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning and peers. They have opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that enhance their educational experience. The governing body is supportive of the school’s leadership and is aware of the areas that require further improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and address potential concerns. The school promotes safety awareness among pupils, including online safety strategies. Overall, Marshland St. James Primary and Nursery School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils, while also recognizing areas for continued development.
