Mount Pleasant Primary School, located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 and 20 October 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. The integration of the ‘Darwin values’ into the curriculum helps students understand and express their feelings, creating a supportive atmosphere. Pupils appreciate the availability of adults to discuss their concerns, and the school promotes conflict resolution through peer mentoring and adult support.
Behavior among pupils has improved significantly, attributed to higher expectations set by teachers. Students take on various responsibilities, such as school councillors and eco-warriors, and they actively participate in charitable initiatives, demonstrating a sense of community and pride. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including choir and sports, which further enrich the pupils' experience.
The leadership team has prioritized reading, resulting in a vibrant reading culture within the school. Pupils have numerous opportunities to engage with books, such as taking home a ‘reading suitcase’ or participating in a book swap. The phonics program is well-structured, enabling early learners to develop strong reading skills. Children in the early years quickly adapt and form positive relationships with staff, which enhances their readiness to learn.
In mathematics, the curriculum is designed to help pupils retain knowledge over time, with effective sequencing of learning. Staff training has bolstered teachers' confidence in delivering mathematics instruction. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to explore new subjects and take pride in their achievements. However, in some areas, the precise knowledge that leaders want pupils to learn has not been clearly defined, leading to gaps in understanding.
Pupils exhibit a strong enthusiasm for learning, and their behavior in lessons is generally of high quality. Nevertheless, there are instances where expectations for the presentation of work and accuracy in spelling and number formation could be improved. This has resulted in recurring errors among some pupils.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with staff trained to make necessary adaptations. The special educational needs coordinator collaborates with teachers to ensure that all pupils' needs are met within the curriculum.
The school community is characterized by kindness and acceptance, with pupils demonstrating a mature understanding of diversity. Governors and trustees are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, working closely with leaders to provide support and challenge. Staff express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders consider their workload and well-being.
Parents are overwhelmingly satisfied with the school, recognizing the dedication of staff, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff trained to identify and respond to concerns effectively. The school promotes awareness of risks and teaches pupils how to stay safe in various situations, including online safety.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on clearly defining the knowledge pupils need to learn in certain subjects and ensuring that all teachers maintain high expectations for the quality of pupils' work. Overall, Mount Pleasant Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
