South Marston Church of England Primary School

The remote visit to South Marston Church of England Primary School on 17 November 2020 aimed to assess the school's response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent return to full education for pupils. Approximately one-third of pupils at the school have had to self-isolate at various times since the full reopening in September, but none were working from home at the time of the visit. The school has maintained its usual curriculum with adjustments made to increase teaching time in specific areas, including the introduction of a daily 'fit in five' activity to promote physical health and well-being.

Staff at South Marston have conducted assessments to determine pupils' starting points in reading, writing, and mathematics, leading to the identification of students requiring additional support in these areas. Reading, particularly phonics, has been prioritized, with pupils in Years 1 and 2 receiving an extra phonics lesson each day. New initiatives such as 'reading miles' have been implemented to encourage reading practice among all pupils. In mathematics, teachers are focusing on reinforcing pupils' recall of essential number facts and times tables to solidify foundational skills.

The school has established systems for delivering remote learning to individuals or groups of pupils as needed, with additional training provided to staff to enhance their ability to support remote learners effectively. Plans are in place for daily feedback to be given to those working from home. Overall, the visit highlighted the school's proactive approach in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. The adjustments made to the curriculum, alongside the focus on reading and mathematics, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically.

Ofsted appreciates the efforts of the school staff and leadership in contributing to this important national work. The insights gained from the visit will inform future educational policies and practices. The report will be shared with various stakeholders and published on the Ofsted website for public access.