St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery, Purton

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

Pupils at St Mary's are proud to be part of this welcoming school. They attend regularly. The relationships between adults and pupils are respectful. Pupils are sensitive and considerate of one another. They feel safe and say that staff at the school help them if they have any worries or concerns. Staff's expectations for pupils are high. They want everyone to 'shine brightly'. They are determined that pupils learn well. Pupils understand this and value learning, both in the classroom and beyond. They speak enthusiastically about strengthening their knowledge through visits to places of interest, such as a local crocodile conservation centre. Pupils are friendly and inquisitive. They are keen to find out about the lives of others and appreciate opportunities to take on responsibilities. They particularly enjoy involvement and supporting others in local community initiatives. Pupils benefit from a range of clubs and activities that foster their talents and interests. They understand the importance of treating everyone fairly. They are confident to debate different viewpoints on important topics or current affairs.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers' use of assessment is not as well developed as it is in others. Therefore, teachers do not always identify where pupils have developed misconceptions. Leaders need to ensure that teachers' use of assessment accurately highlights gaps in pupils' understanding so that these can be remedied.

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