Potters Green Primary School in Coventry has undergone an inspection that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school excels in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which are rated as good. The early years provision is also considered good, indicating a solid foundation for younger learners.
Pupils at Potters Green Primary School express happiness and pride in their school, appreciating its attractive grounds and the supportive community. They feel safe and valued, with staff responding effectively to any issues that arise. The school serves a diverse community, welcoming new pupils and encouraging them to share their cultures. The forest school program is particularly popular, teaching pupils about environmental conservation and health. The school promotes a calm atmosphere where pupils behave positively and engage well with both adults and peers.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development, leading to a lack of clarity regarding what pupils should learn. This gap can hinder learning, as staff do not always employ assessment strategies effectively to gauge pupil progress. While some subjects like science and geography show strong learning outcomes, others, particularly reading, writing, and mathematics, require more precise assessment to ensure that work is appropriately matched to pupils' needs.
The school has faced significant challenges in recent years, including staffing changes that have slowed improvement efforts. Leaders have worked to support staff in delivering effective teaching and monitoring their subjects. However, there is a need for sharper focus on ensuring that the curriculum is delivered effectively to enhance pupil learning. The school has made strides in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, enabling them to make strong progress.
Reading is a priority at Potters Green, with pupils enjoying daily story time and engaging with a variety of texts. The phonics program is well-implemented, and regular assessments help ensure that pupils read books suited to their abilities. Children in the early years are described as happy and confident, benefiting from a vibrant learning environment that emphasizes vocabulary development and social skills.
Despite improvements in behavior and attitudes, attendance remains a challenge, with high absence rates. The school actively engages with parents to promote the importance of attendance. The personal development of pupils is a notable strength, with opportunities for character building and involvement in charitable activities. The school fosters a sense of responsibility and resilience among pupils, ensuring that all have access to a broad range of extracurricular activities.
Staff morale is high, with leaders considering their workload and well-being. The governing body, although mostly new, provides effective support and challenge to school leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school must enhance the use of assessment to identify learning gaps and ensure that the curriculum is implemented effectively across all subjects. This will enable pupils to achieve their full potential and ensure that the school continues to develop positively.
