Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Queensway Primary School on 30 November 2023, following the school's designation of serious weaknesses after a graded inspection in June 2022. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since the last inspection, rather than to provide an overall effectiveness grade. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, staff, governors, and local authority representatives, as well as classroom visits, pupil interactions, and document reviews.
The inspection found that while progress has been made, further work is required for the school to no longer be classified as having serious weaknesses. The school has experienced a decrease in pupil enrollment, which was anticipated and has been managed by organizing mixed-age classes. New staff, including early career teachers, have joined the school, contributing to the ongoing development of the curriculum.
The headteacher has prioritized the improvement of the school's curriculum, particularly in foundation subjects, which had previously been less effectively implemented. A new commercial scheme was introduced at the start of the academic year to support teaching in these areas. However, the recent implementation has made it challenging to fully evaluate its impact on pupil learning. A review is planned for the end of the term to assess the curriculum's effectiveness and to clarify expectations for staff involved in the school's improvement.
The school has established a consistent approach to phonics instruction and has worked to foster a love of reading among pupils. Recent staff training has focused on enhancing teachers' abilities to support reading development. Core texts have been identified for study, and classroom observations indicated that pupils are engaging positively with their reading and writing activities.
The school has also noted an increase in the number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Processes have been implemented to identify these needs early, and the introduction of the Rainbow Room has improved support for these pupils. Observations in this space showed pupils to be calm and settled, although a review of the provision's effectiveness is necessary to ensure individual needs are met.
Leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the school's current situation and have made practical decisions to facilitate improvements. Governors actively support and challenge school leaders, regularly visiting the school to verify that their observations align with the information provided by leaders. They also monitor staff workload to ensure it remains manageable.
The school has benefited from additional support from the local authority and the English Hub, using feedback from these partnerships to inform its development plans. Staff have engaged in local partnership meetings, allowing them to learn from other practitioners and build confidence in their roles.
In summary, while Queensway Primary School has made strides in addressing its previous weaknesses, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure sustained improvement and to ultimately remove the designation of serious weaknesses. The commitment of school leaders, staff, and governors, along with external support, will be crucial in this process.
