Mapledene Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

Pupils are happy at Mapledene Primary School. They say it is like being part of a family. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils. Pupils achieve well because leaders have designed a curriculum that is ambitious for them all, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders ensure that pupils follow the school rules. All pupils behave well. Leaders deal with bullying effectively. Pupils understand about equality and diversity. They visit different places of worship. This broadens their understanding of life in modern Britain. Pupils talk about the things they learn on these trips respectfully. Visitors such as meteorologists and dentists help pupils learn about science and keeping healthy. These visitors encourage pupils to have high career aspirations. Pupils have opportunities to develop their character through trips, visits and clubs, such as dance and drumming. Pupils sing enthusiastically in the choir. They perform songs at a local hospital. These opportunities ensure that pupils are equipped to be ready to move on through education and life. Pupils take on responsibilities, such as being librarians and reading to younger pupils. Children in Reception take turns to be milk and fruit monitors. They are proud of these roles that contribute to the life of the school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured that the precise knowledge that pupils need to learn is well thought out in some subjects. Teachers are sometimes unsure about what key knowledge they need to teach. Pupils cannot remember important information to help them understand new learning. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is well sequenced and that the most important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember is clear.
• Support for early handwriting is not as effective as it could be. As a result, pupils do not write with fluent handwriting. Leaders should ensure that teachers support pupils to develop correct pencil grip and address pupils' errors with letter formation.
• Some governors are inexperienced and lack a secure understanding of their roles. This prevents them from being able to offer appropriate challenge and to check fully the impact of leaders' actions. Governors should ensure that they develop their skills so that they can make effective checks on leaders' actions.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)