St Mary’s Primary School is a denominational school with a nursery class. It serves the village of Cleland and the surrounding local area. The roll was 219, including 57 in the nursery, when the inspection was carried out in January 2010. Children’s attendance was in line with the national average in 2007/2008.

Particular strengths of the school

• Courteous and confident children who are motivated to learn.
• Enthusiastic staff who are reflective about improving learning and teaching.
• High levels of attainment in reading and mathematics.
• The leadership of the headteacher in improving the work of school.

The following areas for improvement have been agreed with the school and education authority:

• In the nursery class, improve approaches to meeting children’s learning and developmental needs, including increased opportunities for children to develop early literacy and numeracy skills.
• Across the school, continue to ensure that all tasks and activities provide appropriate pace and challenge to meet the learning needs of all children.