Marie Weller Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 October 2023

This school has rapidly established itself at the heart of the new community it serves. Parents and carers are full of praise for how well staff know and support their children. Typically, parents say the school's 'safe, fun and nurturing environment' means that each pupil is cared for as an individual. One parent describes how their child is 'buzzing to tell me what they have learned each day', while another simply states that their child 'loves school'. Pupils are keen to come to school and want to learn. They enjoy playing with their friends and get on well with staff. Most pupils behave well. They use 'kind hands' to avoid causing upsets. They understand why the three 'golden rules' matter. A few pupils benefit from close support to meet these expectations. Pupils enjoy gaining rewards for doing the right thing. Incentives such as the headteacher's awards and 'notes home' are highly valued. Pupils enjoy trips to the theatre and a local farm, competing in sports events and celebrating harvest. They liked learning about different faiths and cultures from members of the school community. After-school clubs are also very popular. Whether pupils want to bake, practise the recorder or do yoga, there is something for everyone.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not always adapted well enough to meet pupils' needs. A few pupils sometimes struggle to access new learning. Others find the work too easy. The school needs to ensure that the curriculum, including in the early years, is ambitious for all pupils.
• Teachers' pedagogical choices are not always well thought through. Learning activities sometimes divert pupils' attention away from securing important subject knowledge. Opportunities to make links to what pupils know already are missed. The school should make sure that teachers choose effective strategies to deliver the curriculum.
• Expectations of pupils' written communication are not consistent. Teachers do not always check pupils' knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation closely. They do not insist that pupils' writing skills are good enough. The school needs to make sure that pupils have the necessary knowledge and skills to communicate effectively when they write.

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