St Martin's Primary School rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted

St Martin''s Primary School on Fowler's Hill was previously rated as 'Requires Improvement' in 2019. 

Ofsted has said that children at the school do not receive an acceptable standard of education and that they do not learn enough in many subjects. 

The school's inspection took place on January 17 and 18. 

The report added: "The curriculum lacks ambition and does not give pupils the essential knowledge they need to be successful. Consequently, pupils have considerable gaps in their knowledge and are not well prepared for the next stage in their education."

Poor curriculum

Ofsted also said that the curriculum is poorly designed and too narrow in some areas and that teachers do not use assessment information well. They also do not systematically correct pupils' misconceptions or adapt learning to address gaps in pupils' knowledge.

Governors have failed to hold leaders to account for the quality of the pupil's education, said Ofsted. 

The report states: "Leaders and governors have not improved the deep-rooted weaknesses in curriculum and teaching, which have resulted in pupils’ weak progress across the curriculum."

St Martin's Primary School headteacher Becky McManus (Image: St Martin's Primary School)

But Oftsed said the recently-appointed headteacher Mrs Becky McManus is providing "a clear sense of direction".

The inspector said Mrs McManus has "an accurate understanding of the inherent weaknesses in the school", and that she is working with "determination and tenacity to bring about change".

"Staff and pupils are fully supportive of the positive changes that she has made in a short space of time. However, it is too early to see any demonstrable impact."

The report says that despite the unacceptable standard of education, the pupils "enjoy coming to school and feel safe".

The report added: "They have positive relationships with the adults in school. They know that adults are there to help them if they have a concern. Pupils are respectful towards adults and each other. Older pupils enjoy their role as ‘Young Leaders’ and support younger pupils with play during social times." 

Pupils also told the inspector that behaviour is better since the introduction of the new system and that they understand the rewards and sanctions well and appreciate the headteacher’s stickers when they work hard.

According to the report: "Pupils’ conduct is generally calm in the classrooms, corridors and lunch hall. However, when learning does not match pupils’ needs well enough, they become disengaged and lose focus." 

'Significant steps taken'

Headteacher Becky McManus told the Journal that since the inspection in January, the school has taken "significant steps" to address the weaknesses within the school. 

Mrs McManus added: "As part of a strategic action plan, we have reviewed and developed the curriculum offer, to ensure that there is now a clear progression of knowledge and skills in all subjects. We are also investing heavily in staff training and development, as well as implementing new and improved systems and procedures across the school. 

"As a staff team, we are incredibly proud of our children and thankful for the support we receive from the parent community, we remain committed to moving the school forward and delivering the high-quality education that our pupils deserve."

A letter was sent last week from the board of governors to parents, in which the chairman of the board Mr Mike Oldham says the report must be "extremely disappointing" for parents - a disappointment the governors share. 

To read the report in full, go to reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/126413.