Mount Pleasant Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2022

Everyone feels welcome at Mount Pleasant Primary School. Leaders, including governors, have worked relentlessly to create an inclusive culture. Pupils are proud to sing the school anthem 'Think Big, Aim High, ACHIEVE'. Leaders have based this on the high expectations and values they want pupils to develop: Aspirational, Connected, Happy, Immersed, Energised, Valued, Empowered. 'Happy' is a word frequently used by parents and children alike. Pupils are very well behaved and respectful to one another in class. They enjoy learning a range of subjects. However, some pupils do not always demonstrate these positive behaviours during lunchtimes. Pupils feel safe. They know that they can speak to an adult if they have a worry or concern. If they prefer, they can write a note and place it in the worry bin. Pupils say that bullying rarely happens. On the rare occasions that it does happen, staff deal with it swiftly and sensitively. Pupils have an exceptional understanding of different religions. They can clearly describe the differences and similarities between a range of faiths. One pupil reflected that everyone is welcome regardless of background and that you can 'keep your own personality, don't let others change you'.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, such as history, the crucial knowledge that leaders want pupils to know and remember over time is not clearly defined. This makes it difficult for teachers to assess what pupils know and remember. End-of-unit assessments focus on a broad range of knowledge. As a result, some pupils do not remember the specific knowledge that they need to be successful in future learning. Leaders need to ensure that teachers focus on the most important knowledge pupils need to know and that checks on pupils' learning align with this.
• Plans for pupils with SEND are not consistent. Some plans do not clearly set out what leaders want pupils to achieve and how to achieve them. As a result, some pupils with SEND are not as successful as they could be. Leaders need to ensure that all plans for pupils with SEND clearly set out their targets and the strategies that will enable them to be successful.
• During lunchtimes, some pupils do not always demonstrate positive behaviours and conduct. They are sometimes disrespectful to one another. Leaders need to ensure that policies and practices are in place during these times. Staff should receive training on how to apply practices effectively so that they can support pupils to elicit the same positive behaviours towards one another as they do in class.

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