St Mary's Primary School, Dilwyn

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 January 2023

'Living, loving and learning together' is at the heart of St Mary's C of E Primary school. Pupils speak positively about the support they receive from staff. Pupils want to come to school every day, and they do. This is because they enjoy learning, feel safe and are happy in school. Parents say that the school 'nurtures' their children. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour and achievement. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are highly respectful and positive. If bullying happens staff deal with it firmly. Pupils achieve well. They develop secure literacy and numeracy skills. This gives them great confidence when learning other subjects. Pupils study a broad range of subjects. Leaders have set out precisely what they want pupils to learn in most subjects. However, in some subjects, there is more work to do to ensure that the learning is clearly set out. Leaders support pupils' wider development well. Pupils learn about their health and well- being. Pupils also speak confidently about online safety and being safe in the community. Pupils develop their understanding of democracy, equality and diversity. They take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including sports and music.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not sequenced the key learning in some subjects clearly enough. This means that pupils are unable to build successfully on what they have already learned. Leaders should ensure that key learning is precisely sequenced in all subjects.
• Some teachers do not check carefully enough if pupils understand what they have to do. This means that pupils do not always start or complete their work, and so develop gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should ensure that all teachers check that pupils know what they have to do and address any gaps in their knowledge.

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