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Mary Dean’s CE Primary on the outskirts of Plymouth, Devon has been deemed ambitious for all with a ‘high quality’ curriculum design and implementation for early years which ‘provides a strong model for the whole school’ according to the recent Ofsted report.  

 

Children in Foundation Stage are said to ‘flourish’, receiving a ‘strong start to their learning and development’ and being ‘well prepared for entry into Year 1.’ The team of hard-working staff are said to ‘implement the phonics curriculum well’ following an ‘agreed and consistent approach to teaching’ which benefits all pupils ‘particularly those who struggle’ and allows children to ‘read with confidence and fluency’.  

 

Children ‘enjoy coming to school’ and are praised for having ‘respect towards adults and one another’ and for learning and playing together well. They’re ‘proud of their sporting achievements in the locality’ and benefit from a broad variety of interesting experiences, clubs and activities which develop character and confidence.  

 

With changes to the Ofsted reporting scheme no longer giving an overall single grade, Mary Dean’s has been recognised as being Good in Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Early Years Provision. 

 

Donna Wilson, Head of School, said, ‘I’m really pleased to see recognition of our recently improved behaviour policy – we can see how much pupils have embraced this and the new rules and how this is having a positive effect on everyone overall. We’re continuing to support those who struggle more in this area.’  

 

Mary Dean’s Primary is part of ºù«ÍÞapp Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. The report highlights the Trust’s ‘clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school’ and says the improvements are ‘beginning to be seen in a number of areas.’  

Angela Jenkins, Director of Performance and Development for ºù«ÍÞapp Trust, said ‘We’ve been supporting Mary Dean’s for just over a year now, working together to prioritise areas in need of development, investing in training and development for staff, and strengthening the curriculum. We are committed to continuing to drive positive changes in education and leadership with a strong focus on safeguarding and inclusion as well.’  

 

The report acknowledges Mary Dean’s strengths in inclusion highlighting the school’s ambitions for all ‘including those who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’, with SEND needs being ‘accurately identified’ and individual learning plans being ‘better tailored to help close gaps for those pupils’. 

 

Praise has been given for pupils’ understanding and celebration of ‘different cultures and faiths’ with teaching staff working hard to ensure children ‘know that tolerance and fairness are important values in modern Britain.’’ 

 

Donna Wilson continues, ‘I want to say thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication in getting the school to this stage. Together with the Trust, we will continue making positive changes and improvements where needed.’