St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy is a welcoming and inclusive school located in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire. The recent inspection conducted on 28 and 29 March 2023 concluded that the school is effective across various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good. The school has established a calm learning environment where pupils feel safe and happy. Relationships between staff and pupils are caring, and there is a strong culture of support. Bullying is rare, and pupils are confident that any issues would be resolved quickly by staff. They know whom to approach for help, including their peers designated as kindness ambassadors.
The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, which is reflected in their conscientious engagement in learning. The learning environment, particularly in the Reception class, is purposeful and inviting, fostering emotional regulation and social skills among children. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, appreciating initiatives like Walk in Wednesdays, which allow them to engage with the curriculum and observe their children’s learning experiences.
Leaders have made significant strides in developing the curriculum, ensuring that essential knowledge is identified across most subjects. However, in a few areas, the curriculum design is still in the early stages, leading to less precise identification of key knowledge. This can result in some pupils not achieving their full potential in those subjects. Lessons are structured consistently, enabling pupils to understand teacher expectations. While teachers often model concepts effectively, there are instances where classroom activities do not optimally support learning, hindering pupils from reaching their full potential.
Reading is a priority at St Mary’s, with a structured approach implemented across the school. Staff are well-trained to deliver phonics sessions, helping children quickly learn sounds and become fluent readers. Pupils enjoy reading and engage with stories shared by their teachers, often reading at home and in school. The school supports pupils' well-being and personal development through a comprehensive curriculum and additional opportunities. Pupils learn about various faiths and demonstrate respect for diversity. The school emphasizes values such as kindness, perseverance, and justice, allowing pupils to take on responsibilities like being kindness ambassadors or members of the school council.
The leadership team is effective, with leaders demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They are committed to ensuring that all pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, are happy and successful. Staff morale is high, with a supportive team environment and appreciation for the training provided. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Mary’s are effective, with well-trained staff who promptly address any concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils feel secure and learn how to keep themselves safe, including online safety. Leaders ensure that all necessary pre-employment checks are conducted for staff.
To improve further, the school needs to address variations in curriculum implementation to ensure consistent delivery of lesson content. Additionally, leaders should continue developing curriculum planning in certain subjects to clearly identify essential knowledge and ensure effective assessment practices. Overall, St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy is a strong educational institution that prioritizes pupil well-being and academic success while fostering a supportive community.
