Mattersey Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 June 2024

Mattersey Primary School is at the centre of the community. Staff and pupils are proud to represent the school. One pupil summed up the views of many when he stated, 'Everyone matters at Mattersey.' Staff know the pupils and their families well. Pupils talk positively about the 'family feel' to the school. Pupils show care towards each other. Older pupils ensure that younger pupils are involved in games at breaktime and lunchtime. Staff have clear expectations of pupils. Most pupils live up to these expectations. Pupils who occasionally require additional guidance to regulate their behaviour receive the support that they need. The school ensures that pupils access a range of trips which enhance their understanding of the curriculum. Pupils enjoy these experiences. Older pupils talk with enthusiasm about a recent visit to London, where they visited the Houses of Parliament. Others talked about the pleasure they took in learning about science at the National Space Museum. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent echoed the views of many when they stated, 'My children are very happy here. If my child is struggling with anything, they get the support they need.'

What the school should improve

• In the early years, the school does not always use the learning environment effectively, to support children's learning and develop their ability to talk about what they are learning. As a result, children do not always have enough opportunities to apply what they have been taught or to learn independently. The school should support staff to make better use of the learning environment inside and outside, providing a firm foundation for children's subsequent learning and to aid their communication skills.
• Sometimes, in the mixed-age classes that pupils learn in, teachers have not ensured that the work pupils complete has been matched precisely to their existing understanding. This means that pupils' knowledge of important subject content is not as developed and embedded as it could be. The school should ensure that it builds on its current offer to ensure that staff have the training and expertise required to deliver the ambitious curriculum consistently and effectively to mixed-age classes.

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