Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Medlock Primary School on May 4, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since the last graded inspection. The headteacher, Jonathan Brown, along with senior leaders, the local authority, and governors, discussed the actions taken to improve the school, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector visited lessons, heard pupils read, and reviewed various school documents, including safeguarding records and governing body meeting minutes.
The findings indicate that while Medlock Primary School continues to require improvement, there has been progress in several areas. The school has implemented a new phonics and early reading program to address previous weaknesses. Teachers are now clearer about the expectations for pupil achievement in reading, and staff have received training to effectively deliver the program. Assessment strategies are being used to identify pupils needing additional support, ensuring they can catch up quickly.
However, some staff still require further support to build their confidence in delivering certain aspects of the phonics program. Instances were noted where books selected for pupils did not align closely enough with the sounds they had learned, which hindered their reading fluency. The school has also worked on refining the guidance provided by subject leaders to teachers, helping them understand what content should be taught and when. This has led to clearer teaching objectives and a focus on vocabulary that supports learning across different subjects.
Leaders have taken steps to ensure that assessment systems are effectively utilized, allowing staff to identify gaps in pupils' learning. Opportunities for pupils to revisit prior knowledge have been increased, aiding retention and the ability to connect new learning with what they already know. Nonetheless, in a few subjects, teachers are not as well equipped to identify learning gaps, which can prevent some pupils from building a solid foundation of knowledge.
Governors have responded positively to previous inspection feedback, engaging in an external review of governance to enhance their understanding of leadership priorities. This has resulted in a more knowledgeable governing body that can hold leaders accountable for educational quality. New governors are recruited based on the skills needed to strengthen governance, ensuring that they can effectively oversee the school's progress.
The headteacher has effectively utilized external support, including assistance from a local teaching school, to improve the phonics and early reading curriculum. The local authority's support has also informed the refinement of the school's improvement planning. Overall, while Medlock Primary School has made strides in improving educational quality, further work is necessary to achieve a good rating. The school is encouraged to continue embedding the phonics program and enhancing assessment systems to better identify and address gaps in pupils' learning. The commitment from leaders, staff, and governors to ongoing improvement is evident, and with sustained effort, the school can work towards achieving its goals.
