Manor Primary School, located in Didcot, Oxfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on 11 and 12 October 2023, marking the first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic. The school, which is part of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Jessica Robinson and overseen by CEO Jon Chaloner and chair of trustees Lynne O'Reilly.
The school promotes a motto of aspire and contribute, which is evident in the curriculum and daily activities. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of community and are actively involved in initiatives, such as organizing events to raise awareness for diabetes. The school environment is characterized by friendly interactions among students, who exhibit good behavior and a genuine enjoyment of learning.
Recent changes implemented at the school have raised expectations for pupil achievement, and students are responding positively to these higher standards. The school emphasizes values such as ambition, tenacity, and respect, which pupils display through their participation in leadership roles like pupil parliament and house captains. However, students have expressed a desire for more influence in school improvement initiatives.
The curriculum at Manor Primary School is broad and balanced, with a strong focus on core subjects like mathematics and reading. The teaching of phonics is effective, and additional support is provided for pupils who need to catch up. High-quality texts are read to students to foster a love of reading, and the mathematics program ensures that younger pupils develop a solid understanding of numbers, preparing them well for future challenges.
The school has recently introduced a trust-wide curriculum for science and various foundation subjects, with guidance from experts within the trust. This new curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, allowing teachers to deliver lessons effectively while managing their workload. Staff members feel well-supported and proud to work at the school, appreciating the collaborative planning opportunities with colleagues from other schools in the trust.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils are not retaining knowledge as effectively as they could in certain subjects, partly due to gaps in their prior learning. The school is committed to addressing these gaps by revisiting prior knowledge and monitoring pupil understanding. Additionally, while support is provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, there are instances where targets set for these students are not specific enough, hindering their progress.
The school has implemented new behavior management strategies, and pupils are beginning to adapt to these changes. From an early age, children learn to identify emotions and practice sharing and listening. The personal development program at the school is robust, focusing on mental health and well-being, and pupils appreciate the extracurricular clubs available, although they would like to see more options.
Parental feedback about the school is mixed, with some expressing satisfaction with the care their children receive, while others have concerns about recent changes. The school recognizes the importance of building partnerships with parents to enhance communication and understanding of its initiatives.
Overall, the inspection highlighted the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements at the school, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to continue implementing its new curriculum, refine support for pupils with special educational needs, and strengthen partnerships with parents to foster a collaborative school community.
