'Strong sense of community and respect' at Good-rated school

A school where pupils thrive and achieve well has been rated Good across the board by Ofsted.

Inspectors describe St Martin's Church of England Primary School in Bradley as a 'nurturing school' which has Christian values of respect, resilience and compassion at its heart – and which pupils demonstrate through learning and play.

Leaders at St Martin's are ambitious for what their children can achieve and all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), 'achieve well'.

Directors of St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust, members of the local academy committee, school leaders and staff 'all have a clear vision’ for the school – for pupils to thrive – and inspectors say 'this vision is realised'.

Leaders 'are tenacious in helping all pupils get the most' from their time in school, and have ensured that any gaps in knowledge caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have been filled. A 'sharp focus' given by leaders to English, including reading, and mathematics, means that pupils are catching up quickly.

Leaders are also improving other subjects, with 'well planned and sequenced' lessons. The teaching of early reading is a key priority, with an 'effective reading programme in place' meaning pupils develop into 'confident, fluent readers'.

Children get off to a good start in nursery where 'highly attentive' adults 'know how to support children effectively' and quickly identify children who may need extra help, including from external agencies like speech and language when needed.

Teachers and teaching assistants use this advice well to plan support for those who need it, including pupils in St Martin's SEND Resource Base, which has a curriculum suited to their needs.

Children enjoy many opportunities for their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including weekly assemblies and a range of clubs to develop pupils’ interests and talents.

There is a strong sense of community and mutual respect at St Martin’s. Clear routines and structures also help children settle well into the early years, and these high expectations for pupils’ conduct continue throughout the school, with pupils living up to them – 'behaviour at all times is good', found inspectors.