Following the short inspection of Quarry Mount Primary School on 5 June 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the quality of education since the last inspection in October 2015. After the previous headteacher's departure in December 2017, the current headteacher, appointed in February 2018, promptly reviewed all areas of the school, identifying key areas for improvement. The restructuring of middle leadership has strengthened the management of various curriculum subjects, enhancing overall leadership and management.
Governance has emerged as a significant strength of the school. The chair of the governing body leads effectively, and following a skills audit, new governors were recruited, bringing a diverse range of expertise. Governors are actively involved in school life, providing robust support and challenge to the leadership team, and they have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses.
The headteacher and deputy headteacher are committed to continuous improvement, prioritizing the needs of the pupils. They recognize the challenges posed by a transient pupil population but remain focused on ambitious goals. Their dedication has fostered an environment where pupil progress is prioritized alongside their overall school experience. Consequently, pupils have made strong progress from their varying starting points since the last inspection.
The school has successfully addressed the areas for improvement identified in the previous inspection report. Professional development for staff leading English and mathematics has been prioritized, resulting in nationally recognized qualifications for these leaders. The establishment of leadership roles for all subjects has further enhanced middle leadership, boosting staff confidence and expertise.
In terms of teaching quality, the school has made strides in improving the attainment of all pupils, particularly the most able. The headteacher has ensured that staff receive necessary training to tailor learning activities to meet diverse pupil needs. The teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics has been reviewed, leading to an increase in the proportion of pupils achieving higher standards.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough arrangements in place to ensure pupil safety. The school has cultivated a strong safeguarding culture, with staff well-informed about child protection protocols. Regular training and discussions about pupil welfare contribute to a vigilant approach to safeguarding.
Pupils report feeling safe and know whom to approach with concerns. They are aware of online safety measures and express that bullying is rare, with teachers addressing any incidents effectively. The positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to good behavior and conduct throughout the school.
Monitoring systems for teaching quality have been strengthened, with a focus on ensuring high standards across lessons. While most teachers provide appropriate challenges, there is a recognition that further work is needed to eliminate inconsistencies in teaching quality. The school has implemented thorough systems for tracking pupil progress, leading to improved outcomes in writing and mathematics, with standards above national averages.
Despite these successes, challenges remain, particularly regarding the attendance of disadvantaged pupils, who are more likely to be absent than their peers. The school is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, have equal opportunities to succeed. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, with clear next steps identified to further enhance the quality of education and pupil outcomes.
