Allesley Hall Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 16 and 17, 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where staff and pupils interact positively, treating each other with respect and courtesy. Pupils take pride in their school, reflecting the high expectations set by the leadership, which are rooted in the school’s core values of attitude, helpfulness, perseverance, and success. These values are evident in both classroom activities and during break times.
The school is committed to ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. Staff focus on fostering good progress across all subjects while promoting the development of responsible individuals. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, allowing pupils to engage actively in their learning. They demonstrate attentiveness in lessons and are eager to discuss their learning experiences. Many pupils also participate enthusiastically in a variety of extracurricular activities beyond the classroom.
Behavior at the school is commendable, with pupils enjoying social interactions during breaks. The school environment is perceived as safe, with staff providing effective supervision. Bullying is not seen as a significant issue, and pupils actively participate as anti-bullying ambassadors, taking on this role with enthusiasm to help address any potential concerns.
The leadership has crafted a comprehensive curriculum that effectively prepares pupils for secondary education. In the Reception class, children develop essential personal, social, and emotional skills alongside their literacy and numeracy. This foundation facilitates a smooth transition into Key Stage 1. The teaching methods employed ensure that pupils are ready to progress through each year up to Year 6.
The curriculum is structured to build upon prior knowledge, with lessons designed to reinforce and expand on what pupils have previously learned. For instance, geography lessons begin with questions related to key terms from earlier lessons, while mathematics lessons start with brief activities that recap previous concepts, aiding pupils in grasping new material.
Collaboration among pupils is encouraged, with teachers often facilitating pair or group work. This collaborative approach enhances the learning experience, as pupils are motivated to engage with their peers, leading to focused work and positive behavior. Teachers actively monitor pupils’ progress during lessons, adjusting their teaching strategies to address any misconceptions and ensuring that learning objectives are met.
While the curriculum in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science is appropriately challenging, some foundation subjects lack sufficient ambition, resulting in less demanding work for certain pupils. Leaders are currently reviewing these subjects to enhance their rigor and ensure that all pupils are adequately challenged.
The school excels in developing fluent readers, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Additional support is provided for those who struggle with reading, enabling them to keep pace with their peers. By Year 3, pupils are typically reading fluently and accurately, with daily reading sessions enjoyed by both staff and students.
The school emphasizes the importance of nurturing responsible and well-rounded individuals. Pupils take on various leadership roles, such as anti-bullying ambassadors and members of the school council, with enthusiasm. The curriculum promotes awareness of diversity, the rule of law, and respect for others. Additionally, a ‘skills for life’ program includes outdoor activities, yoga, and movie-making, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with the special educational needs coordinator collaborating with teachers to ensure inclusive learning experiences. Pupils with SEND are fully integrated into both lessons and extracurricular activities.
Positive relationships between leaders and staff are evident, with staff feeling supported and heard regarding their concerns. Leaders prioritize manageable workloads to prevent undue pressure on staff. The governing body plays an active role in supporting and holding leaders accountable, demonstrating a commitment to the school’s success.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Leaders work closely with families and external agencies to protect at-risk children. Pupils are educated on safety in various contexts, including internet use and healthy relationships.
In summary, Allesley Hall Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, academic progress, and community involvement. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in enhancing the ambition of its curriculum across all subjects.