Swallownest Primary School is a welcoming institution that has made significant strides since its previous inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to Good. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with leaders dedicated to ensuring the success of all pupils. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the safety and support their children receive. Pupils take pride in their school, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and positive interactions with peers. The school’s behavior management system, centered around its ‘golden’ rules, fosters a culture of respect and responsibility among students.
The quality of education at Swallownest Primary is commendable, particularly in the teaching of reading. Leaders recognize the importance of phonics and have implemented effective training for staff, enabling them to teach phonics from the early years. This approach allows pupils to develop their reading and spelling skills confidently. Tailored support is provided for those who need additional help, ensuring that all pupils can progress in their reading abilities. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including library visits and a dedicated reading area in the playground.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively. Staff emphasize vocabulary development across subjects, enabling pupils to articulate complex concepts in areas such as geography and computing. Subject leaders are supported by senior leaders in assessing pupils’ learning effectively, although there are areas for improvement in subjects like geography and computing, where timely checks on learning could be enhanced.
In the early years, children adapt quickly to the school environment, engaging in collaborative play and learning activities. The provision is well-resourced, and staff effectively support children’s development through a variety of engaging activities. Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate adaptations are made to support their learning alongside their peers.
Personal development is a priority at Swallownest Primary, with a broad range of opportunities designed to foster resilience and independence among pupils. The curriculum includes important lessons on health and relationships, promoting respect for diversity. Pupils are encouraged to contribute positively to the school community through roles such as eco-counsellors and reading ambassadors.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors providing both support and challenge to school leaders. They work collaboratively to ensure staff well-being and workload are managed appropriately, contributing to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about safeguarding procedures, ensuring that pupils are protected and know how to report any concerns. The school also prioritizes online safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate the internet safely.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in the assessment practices for some foundation subjects. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that assessment policies are consistently applied across all subjects to swiftly identify and address pupils’ needs. Overall, Swallownest Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
