Mears Ashby Church of England Primary School is a welcoming institution where pupils feel safe and happy. The school fosters a culture of care and respect among students, who are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors. Leaders are well-acquainted with the community and actively encourage pupils to contribute positively to it. For instance, Reception pupils participate in ‘welly walks’ around the village, while older students have campaigned for a safe pathway to a local nature area. The school emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils are involved in school life and that their ideas are valued. Older pupils have taken the initiative to create a ‘digital leaders’ program to assist younger students in enhancing their technology skills.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with teachers guiding pupils to understand the impact of their words and actions on others. Disagreements are resolved swiftly, and pupils feel confident approaching adults with any concerns. Parents appreciate the high expectations set by school leaders, with many noting that the learning experience is both inspirational and varied.
The school excels in promoting a love for reading, with teachers using literature to expand pupils' vocabulary. Younger students enjoy engaging with familiar stories, and those requiring additional reading support receive extra help. Leaders are committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in developing their reading skills. However, there are challenges in the early reading program, as some reading materials do not align with the phonics knowledge pupils have acquired, which can hinder their reading fluency.
The mathematics curriculum is robust, with clear plans outlining the essential knowledge and skills pupils should acquire from early years through Year 6. Teachers break down key concepts into manageable steps, enabling pupils to retain and build upon their knowledge effectively. Early years pupils are provided with ample opportunities to develop their counting and number skills.
While the trust has provided curriculum plans, the development of these plans has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some subjects have adapted their plans to better meet the needs of pupils, but there is a need for clarity and conciseness in all curriculum plans to prevent overwhelming pupils' memories. In subjects like science and history, there is insufficient time allocated for practicing key skills and revisiting important knowledge.
Leaders ensure that pupils with SEND are included in all aspects of school life and adapt provisions to support their needs. However, some SEND pupils have expressed feeling overloaded with information. In the early years, pupils learn to share and play cooperatively, with adults encouraging language development through questioning and reflection.
Despite being a small school, Mears Ashby offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, ensuring all pupils participate in enriching experiences. Leaders invite various visitors to enhance pupils' understanding of citizenship and current affairs, fostering discussions on behaviour, equality, and fairness.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving regular training to stay updated on child safety protocols. Concerns are logged and monitored diligently, and strong partnerships with external support agencies ensure families receive necessary assistance.
To improve, leaders must establish a consistent approach to teaching early reading and phonics, ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' phonics knowledge. Additionally, curriculum plans need to clearly identify essential knowledge and concepts, allowing pupils to build a solid foundation for their future education.
