Mousehole School, located in Penzance, Cornwall, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 27, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are kind, respectful, and eager to learn. They appreciate the nurturing support provided by the staff, particularly highlighting the ‘help you grow’ room, which contributes to their sense of safety and well-being. Pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and they trust the adults in the school to assist them with any issues they may encounter. The school’s ‘golden rules’ are well understood, and most students meet the high behavioral expectations set by the leadership.
The curriculum at Mousehole School has been reviewed to ensure it is ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. These pupils are well supported and learn alongside their peers effectively. However, there are variations in the development of different subjects, with some areas being more advanced than others. Leaders have taken steps to ensure that essential knowledge is retained by pupils, particularly in subjects like history, where students can accurately sequence historical events.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with some teachers effectively using assessments to gauge pupil understanding, while others have not yet established consistent methods. Staff are aware of learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but have not fully utilized this knowledge to inform future learning plans. Recent improvements have been made to the early reading curriculum, which is well-structured and allows pupils to build on their existing knowledge. The selection of high-quality texts for reading aligns with the phonics curriculum, and students express a love for reading. Nonetheless, the broader reading curriculum lacks clear sequencing for many pupils who have completed the phonics program.
In the early years, children in pre-school and Reception Year receive a solid foundation, with a focus on personal, social, and emotional development. This groundwork helps them adapt to classroom routines and become confident learners. However, as pupils progress, the school has not sufficiently considered how the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum supports their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Consequently, pupils may not have a comprehensive understanding of various religious beliefs and lifestyles.
Pupils generally meet the behavioral expectations set by the school, although some younger students require additional support to engage fully in lessons. Staff provide this support effectively, ensuring that learning is not disrupted. Social interactions among pupils are encouraged, fostering friendships across the school community. The school also offers high-quality pastoral support, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health, with initiatives such as weekly yoga sessions.
The multi-academy trust provides strong support to school leaders, contributing to a positive staff environment where well-being is prioritized. The safeguarding arrangements at Mousehole School are effective, with leaders understanding their responsibilities and ensuring that staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding concerns. Pupils are educated on how to maintain their safety, including online safety and understanding healthy relationships.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the consistency and planning of assessment across all subjects, ensuring that staff can identify and address the learning needs of pupils effectively. Additionally, the personal development curriculum requires a more coherent approach to ensure that pupils receive a well-rounded education that includes a deeper understanding of diverse beliefs and lifestyles.
