Mission Grove Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

Pupils at Mission Grove are happy and enjoy learning. Pupils value the opportunities and experiences on offer. For example, pupils can take on roles of responsibility, such as a sports leader, eco-councillor, art councillor or by becoming a member of the school council. There is a very wide range of clubs that pupils can attend after school. 'Enrichment Fridays', where pupils choose from a multitude of activities, also provide further opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. Older pupils look forward to going camping and on residential trips. Pupils enjoy participating in sport competitions and musical concerts. Leaders and staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils do well across the curriculum because their learning is planned with ambition. Pupils are proud members of this community. Pupils know the school's motto 'respect yourself and respect others'. They said this is what pupils here do. Bullying is rare. If it does occur, adults deal with it quickly. Relationships between staff and pupils are based on mutual respect. This helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils know that if they have any worries, they can talk to an adult. Pupils typically behave well. They are focused in lessons and they know what is expected of them.

What the school should improve

• Many areas of the curriculum have been recently changed and new curriculum thinking implemented. These changes are being embedded, and consequently, in some instances, pupils' understanding of core ideas in a subject is not secure in their long- term memories. Leaders need to continue to work with subject leaders and teachers to embed the curriculum, prioritising and making sure that teaching enables pupils to commit what they have been taught to their long-term memory and make links across their learning.
• At times, leaders at all levels, including governors, are not looking at their area of responsibility or subject strategically enough. This means that, in a few instances, leaders are not fully informed or able to identify patterns and trends and then take action to enhance the effectiveness of the school. All leaders should build on their existing work to improve the school by adopting a more strategic approach in specific areas and, in turn, ensure that trends and patterns can be tracked and effective action taken.

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