St Matthew's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

Pupils are happy and kept safe at St Matthew's. They enjoy warm and trusting relationships with each other and the adults who know them well. This is a small school where pupils benefit from a strong sense of community underpinned by an embedded Christian ethos and values. For example, pupils participate in a daily collective act of worship, and a weekly singing assembly, which brings the school community together. Pupils play well together at lunchtime and breaktime, and positive behaviour in lessons ensures learning is not disrupted. Pupils understand the rewards and consequences systems in place and consider them to be fair and right. Pupils feel comfortable to express their opinions and to take appropriate risks. Pupils are expected to work hard and contribute to lessons. They produce work of good quality that shows they are keen to do well. Key events are celebrated, including World Book Day, 'Storytelling Picnic' and culture days. Older pupils attend residential visits to support their independence and transition to secondary school. Pupils make a positive contribution to their community through raising money for local charities.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the important component knowledge pupils need to learn and remember has not been precisely identified. In these subjects, pupils do not consistently secure the depth of understanding needed to be fully prepared for more complex learning later. Leaders should ensure they identify what they expect pupils to learn and remember in each subject. This will better support teachers and newly appointed subject leaders to focus on introducing and embedding the most important ideas with confidence and consistency.

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