Mount Street Primary School, located in Plymouth, has recently undergone its first inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspection, conducted on January 24 and 25, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school serves a diverse community and is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, feel valued and supported.
Pupils at Mount Street Primary School thrive in a calm and nurturing environment, embodying the trust's values of believing in oneself and working together. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils enjoy their lessons and develop positive relationships with their peers and staff. The behavior policy is consistently applied, leading to very good behavior among pupils, with rare instances of bullying effectively addressed. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, feeling confident that their children are safe and well cared for.
The leadership team at Mount Street Primary School demonstrates a clear commitment to placing pupils at the heart of decision-making. They have high expectations for pupil achievement and are well-acquainted with the community they serve. This understanding informs their strategies for school improvement. Staff well-being is prioritized, and professional development is tailored to enhance teaching effectiveness across various subjects.
The curriculum is designed to broaden pupils' experiences and is closely linked to their local context. Leaders ensure that all subjects are carefully planned, with lessons building effectively on prior knowledge. However, there are some areas where teachers' subject knowledge is less secure, particularly in subjects like history and art. This can lead to less cohesive learning experiences in these subjects, as pupils may not fully grasp the necessary skills to apply their knowledge effectively.
Reading is a strong focus at Mount Street Primary School, with teachers implementing a consistent approach to teaching reading. Pupils develop a love for reading, supported by a range of engaging reading areas and resources. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through a well-rounded curriculum and extracurricular activities, ensuring that all pupils have access to enriching experiences.
The governance provided by the trust is robust, with effective systems in place for reporting and accountability. Trustees receive comprehensive information about the school's strengths and areas for development, enabling them to support and challenge leaders effectively. This has contributed to the rapid improvements observed since the school's last inspection.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety and ensuring that staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school maintains a strong focus on the welfare of its pupils, with clear procedures for addressing any concerns.
To further enhance the quality of education, the school must address the gaps in subject knowledge among some staff and strengthen the use of assessment to better support pupils' learning, particularly for those who join mid-year. By focusing on these areas, Mount Street Primary School can continue to build on its successes and provide an excellent educational experience for all its pupils.
