Gosford Park Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on June 21 and 22, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, alongside the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision. The previous inspection in February 2017 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Gosford Park Primary School express pride in their school, which promotes a motto of unity and diversity. They feel safe and supported by staff, who listen to their concerns and address issues promptly. The school environment fosters positive relationships among pupils and staff, contributing to a generally good atmosphere. However, the quality of education has not yet reached the desired standard, with leaders acknowledging the need for further improvements. Some pupils struggle with attendance, which impacts their learning progress.
Older pupils take on responsibilities, such as organizing activities during lunch breaks, and they demonstrate an understanding of financial literacy and the importance of health. The school provides well-structured assemblies and lessons that expose pupils to diverse perspectives and experiences. Activities such as gaming and cooking clubs are popular among students, enhancing their engagement.
The leadership team, under the headteacher, has identified key areas for improvement and has sought support from parents, pupils, and staff to drive positive changes. While governors are aware of recent curriculum changes, they lack a comprehensive understanding of their roles, which affects their ability to monitor the school's performance effectively.
Efforts to enhance the quality of education are underway, with a focus on developing a broad and balanced curriculum. Leaders are working to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality education, but the implementation of the new curriculum is still in its early stages. Staff training has been provided, but further support is needed for subject leaders to effectively monitor curriculum delivery.
In the early years, children enjoy learning and are supported by trained staff who encourage exploration and confidence. However, the early years curriculum is also new, and essential knowledge has not yet been fully mapped out.
Reading instruction is a priority, with staff receiving training to deliver phonics effectively. Pupils are introduced to reading early, and those needing additional support receive it. Older students particularly enjoy reading materials that align with their learning interests.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-structured, with a dedicated program in place to address complex needs. Pupils appreciate this support, which contributes to their overall well-being.
Pupils are generally polite and eager to share their learning experiences. They behave well, and disruptions to learning are infrequent. Attendance monitoring systems are in place, but some pupils still miss significant amounts of school, affecting their education.
The leadership team maintains positive relationships with staff, who feel supported and valued. However, safeguarding practices require improvement, as there are inconsistencies in record-keeping and information sharing.
To improve, the school needs to enhance governors' understanding of their roles, ensure effective use of safeguarding systems, refine curriculum planning, and address attendance issues. By focusing on these areas, Gosford Park Primary School can work towards achieving a higher standard of education for its pupils.
