Bosley St Mary’s CofE Primary School, located in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 1, 2023. The school provides a nurturing and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and happy. The staff are highly regarded by students, who describe them as wonderful. The school promotes inclusivity, with pupils of various ages learning and playing together, ensuring that everyone is included. In instances of bullying, school leaders take effective measures to address the situation. The school emphasizes the Bosley BEARS values, which encourage pupils to support one another and strive for their best. This approach motivates students to meet high behavioral standards and enjoy receiving rewards for their positive conduct.
The leadership team is committed to the academic success of all pupils, ensuring access to a high-quality curriculum that aligns with their expectations for achievement. The school offers a diverse range of enrichment opportunities, including outdoor learning experiences where pupils develop practical skills such as whittling and tool usage. Recent trips, such as a visit to an art installation at Chester Cathedral, enhance the curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences. Pupils express pride in contributing to their school community, with younger students taking on responsibilities like watering plants and older students leading extracurricular clubs.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to be effectively delivered in mixed-age classes, specifying essential knowledge and ordering content from early years to Year 6. Teachers and teaching assistants possess strong subject knowledge and collaborate to ensure appropriate delivery of the curriculum. They are adept at identifying additional needs and providing necessary support, enabling all pupils to achieve well.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in revisiting learning in certain subjects. Some pupils may forget important knowledge due to insufficient opportunities to review previous learning. Leaders are encouraged to design subject curriculums that allow for revisiting prior knowledge to reinforce learning before introducing new concepts. The school promotes reading effectively, with daily reading practices across all age groups. Older pupils engage in reading challenges and enjoy selecting books from a visiting library bus, while younger pupils experience immersive storytelling through role play.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating attentiveness and sensible behavior. Disruptions during lessons are rare, and staff effectively refocus students when distractions occur. The school’s rules are well understood, and most pupils adhere to them. Leaders prioritize personal development, integrating community connections into the curriculum, such as visits to the local church and learning about various religions, which broadens pupils' understanding of the world.
Governors and trustees actively support and challenge school leaders to ensure the best educational outcomes. They are aware of the challenges posed by a small staff body and are knowledgeable about actions taken to reduce workload. Staff appreciate the consideration given to their well-being and express enjoyment in their work at the school. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff vigilant in identifying potential issues and ensuring vulnerable pupils receive appropriate support.
Overall, Bosley St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a positive learning environment while striving for continuous improvement in its curriculum delivery and pupil learning retention.
