Marcham Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

Pupils are happy at this welcoming and nurturing school. They describe the school as 'amazing', 'fantastic' and 'friendly'. Staff have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils behave well and enjoy working together. Bullying is rare, but if it does happen, staff are always on hand to deal with it. Adults support pupils who need help with their work or behaviour in a kind and caring manner. One pupil said, 'We are one big family and we know and support each other really well.' The school's values of respect, friendship, compassion, responsibility, perseverance and courage can be seen in the way that all work together. For example, at playtimes, older pupils are responsible, enthusiastic and kind when helping younger pupils. As one parent said, 'Marcham is a friendly and welcoming school, with strong values. My children have flourished here.' Pupils appreciate the opportunities they have to play an active part in their community, such as helping at the community café and supporting the local food bank. Pupils are enthusiastic about the clubs they can join, for example football, art club and science club.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the curriculum is at an early stage of implementation. Leaders have only recently identified the important concepts and vocabulary pupils should learn from the early years to Year 6. This means that some pupils are not able to School 3 make the links between prior and current learning that enable them to build knowledge systematically. Subject leaders should ensure that teachers implement the curriculum effectively so that they can ensure pupils know more and remember more over time.

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