Mary Elton Primary School, located in Clevedon, North Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection on March 19 and 20, 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Thomas Newell, leads the school, which is part of the Futura Learning Partnership, overseen by CEO Andrea Arlidge and a board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Broad.
The school environment is described as safe and friendly, with staff demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being of pupils. The curriculum is designed to foster social skills, leading to respectful interactions among students. In the Reception Year, children quickly adapt to school routines, learning essential skills such as sharing and taking turns. Older pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school, contributing to high attendance rates as the school prioritizes creating an enjoyable learning atmosphere.
Pupils are educated about democracy and free speech, with opportunities to elect house captains and develop leadership skills through various roles, such as digital leaders and mini police. The school enriches learning through organized trips and extracurricular clubs, enhancing the educational experience. Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective support, although some with more complex needs may not receive the tailored assistance required for optimal learning.
The school has worked diligently to improve educational quality, transforming the curriculum and teaching effectiveness. Despite previous weak outcomes in 2023, current pupils, including those with SEND, are learning well. Reception Year children are particularly successful in learning to read, supported by knowledgeable staff who effectively teach early reading skills. Pupils across various year groups engage enthusiastically with reading, exploring diverse texts and developing strong writing skills.
The curriculum is generally well-structured, allowing pupils to build complex knowledge, although some subjects are more developed than others. For instance, the computing curriculum is robust, equipping pupils with essential digital skills and knowledge about online safety. Teachers frequently assess pupils' understanding and address gaps in knowledge, although there are instances where teaching does not sufficiently deepen pupils' understanding in certain subjects.
Children in the Reception Year thrive in a play-based learning environment, developing strong foundational skills in number, reading, and writing. Teachers are adept at child development and have successfully adapted the curriculum to meet the needs of their students. Pupils' personal, social, and emotional development is prioritized, with learning experiences enriched by well-planned trips and visitors to the school.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors and trust leaders providing balanced challenge and support. While most parents are positive about the school's transformation, leaders recognize the need to communicate the impact of changes more effectively. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, appreciating the curriculum changes and ongoing training provided by the trust.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the support for some pupils with SEND, who may not be receiving the necessary assistance to thrive. Additionally, the school aims to enhance the depth of knowledge in certain subjects to better prepare pupils for their future educational journeys. Overall, Mary Elton Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
