St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Pupils enjoy attending this small school. They learn and play together in a safe and supportive environment. The school's values of respect and compassion are demonstrated by all. This is a school where all are valued and differences are well respected. Pupils and parents/carers appreciate the teaching, support and high standards that exist at the school. There is a strong feeling of teamwork from leaders, teachers, support staff and governors, which supports pupils well. Behaviour routines and expectations are well established and clear. Pupils behave well in lessons and move around the school calmly and appropriately as a result. Pupils understand what bullying is and say staff deal with it swiftly should it occur. Pupils enjoy and appreciate the range of clubs, experiences and wider opportunities that are available to them. This includes drama, chess, athletics and multi-skills. During the inspection, the Year 6 class was attending one such experience: a residential visit to Mersea Island, which reinforces prior learning and gives pupils the opportunity to practise their life skills. Pupil and parent surveys reveal an overwhelmingly positive response about the school. St Mary's provides a happy and supportive school environment and a broad, engaging and well-taught curriculum, which prepares pupils well for secondary school and for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always recognise when pupils are ready for more challenging learning. This means that some pupils do not access the curriculum in as much depth as they could. Leaders should ensure that teachers routinely use their assessments to identify and build upon pupils' starting points and establish when they are ready to move on to new learning.
• Members of the support staff team working in various classrooms are often managed by different people. This can result in some ambiguity as to the aim of their work and what they need pupils to achieve. Leaders must ensure that support staff know and understand the purpose of their role and each activity through a clear and precise line of accountability, monitoring, and briefing.
• Pupils' handwriting and presentation are variable and often not of a good standard. This impedes the recording of learning, as many do not possess a fluid, cursive style. Leaders need to ensure that teachers know when and how to teach handwriting and that they do so systematically.

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