The school was inspected at the beginning of December and its quality of education was marked as ‘good’, compared to ‘requires improvement’ more than three years ago.
Personal development and welfare was again graded excellent, and behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management and early years provision were all graded good.
Head teacher Clare Giles said the report was a testament to dedicated staff and hardworking children.
‘I’m proud that Ofsted recognised the strength of our leadership at every level and the trust we place in one another,’ she said.
‘Knowing that our staff feel listened to and valued, that our pupil voice is central to our ethos, and that parents and carers appreciate the care and support their children receive, means a great deal to us.
‘These relationships are at the heart of everything we do for our pupils.’
Ofsted found that from the start of the day, pupils at St Martin’s feel safe, welcomed and valued, and are each greeted by name.
It said the school’s provision beyond the curriculum was exceptional, pupils understood their rights, which helped them develop compassion and empathy, and bullying is rare.
‘The school’s improvements reflect a strong team effort,’ the report said.
‘Staff appreciate the trust leaders place in them and appreciate the school’s focus on their workload and wellbeing.
‘One member of staff summed this up, stating “we are listened to and valued”. Parents and carers echo similar views.’
It found that reading was at the root of the curriculum. Staff spotted pupils falling behind and helped them to catch up quickly.
Older pupils read selected books to develop their comprehension skills.
Staff identified pupils’ barriers early to ensure that they are quickly addressed, and the school worked closely with various agencies so pupils with additional learning needs received appropriate support.
Two areas were identified where the school could improve on.
‘At times staff provide tasks that limit pupils’ ability to show what they know and can do. When this happens pupils do not deepen their learning as extensively as they could. The school should provide ambitious tasks that enable pupils to demonstrate their understanding and extend their knowledge fully,’ the report said.
‘Some older pupils struggle to record their written ideas with fluency and accuracy. This hinders progress for these pupils in their written work. The school needs to embed its handwriting approach, identifying and supporting any errors, so that pupils write well across the curriculum.’
Director of education Nick Hynes said recognition of the school’s excellent personal development is testament to the provision in place at St Martin’s.
‘The emphasis on pupil voice, inclusion and wellbeing, shows how the school is making sure that children thrive both personally and academically, taking account of all aspects of a child’s development,’ he said.
‘I am confident that under Mrs Giles’ leadership the school will continue to achieve and ensure excellent outcomes for children at St Martin’s.’
Kim Hutchinson, head of primary leadership and development, said: ‘St Martin’s Primary School’s inspection reflects the progress I have observed first-hand that the school has made since its first Ofsted inspection in 2022.
‘The report highlights strong leadership, a well-considered curriculum and a clear culture of collective responsibility that is driving improvement and raising expectations for pupils’ achievement.’
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