St Mary's Church of England Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 February 2023

Pupils thrive at this friendly and welcoming school. Leaders and staff aim high. They strive for pupils to be resilient, to communicate and show teamwork. They call this 'The Prestbury Learner'. It is at the core of the school's work and helps pupils to succeed. Leaders have established a caring ethos based on the school's Christian values. Staff and pupils look out for each other and show high levels of respect. Pupils are polite and well mannered. They hold doors open for visitors and greet staff with a smile. Pupils need few reminders about their behaviour. They deliberately set out to do the right thing and follow the school rules. Unkind words and actions are extremely rare. Pupils say, 'We help each other and make everyone feel welcome', and they do. Pupils proudly take on leadership responsibilities. They vote for the school councillors to build their understanding of democracy. In assembly, pupils enjoy earning a 'pebble' for demonstrating a value, such as love or forgiveness. The great majority of parents praise the school. Many believe that the staff 'go above and beyond to ensure that the children are at the heart' of all they do.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders do not identify the precise knowledge they want pupils to know and remember, including in the early years. In these subjects, pupils do not gain the depth of understanding they could. Leaders must identify the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn in all subjects.
• Some subject leaders do not check the quality of education closely enough. As a result, they do not clearly understand whether pupils and children in the early years have acquired the knowledge needed for future learning. Subject leaders should check the quality of education in their subject to ensure that pupils learn what is intended in the curriculum.

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