Manor Lodge Community Primary and Nursery School is a welcoming institution that has shown significant improvement over the past three years. The leadership and staff maintain high expectations for both pupils and the community, fostering strong relationships with parents and local stakeholders. The school motto, Learning for life – aiming high, reflects the ethos of encouraging curiosity, resilience, and confidence among students. The learning environment is engaging, with teachers making lessons enjoyable, which contributes to positive pupil experiences.
The atmosphere within the school is calm, and behavior is consistently positive. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of the school's learning behaviors and express confidence in discussing the rewards for good behavior and the consequences for negative actions. Mutual respect is a hallmark of interactions between pupils and staff, and there is a strong culture of tolerance and respect among students. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils feel supported by adults in resolving any issues that arise.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, enhancing the educational experience beyond the classroom. Notably, a partnership with a local advanced manufacturing research center has allowed pupils to engage in hands-on projects, such as creating a moving electric vehicle, which enriches their learning.
The headteacher and senior leadership team possess a clear vision for the curriculum, which is well-structured and logically sequenced. Knowledge is built progressively, and connections between subjects are made to enhance understanding. The school effectively supports pupils who join at various times throughout the year, with evidence showing that longer attendance correlates with better progress. The academic performance of pupils at the end of Year 6 in reading, writing, and mathematics aligns with national averages.
Assessment practices are utilized effectively to gauge pupil learning, with regular revisiting of prior knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where assessment of pupil retention at the end of topics could be enhanced. The curriculum is inclusive, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive appropriate support.
Reading is a central focus at Manor Lodge, with staff well-trained in phonics instruction. Children entering the Nursery and Reception Years often have limited reading skills, but the school implements effective phonics teaching from the outset. Despite the strong progress made by pupils, the phonics screening check results are below the national average, indicating a need for continued focus on improving early reading skills.
The Nursery provides a solid foundation for children, fostering strong progress through a well-planned curriculum that stimulates imagination and curiosity. Attendance is a priority for leaders, and while overall attendance is improving, there remains a challenge with persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities, which are well-received by pupils. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the leadership and staff, noting a positive school environment where staff morale is high.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, and pupils are aware of whom to approach for help. Overall, Manor Lodge Community Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
