Edleston Primary School, located on Denver Avenue in Crewe, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 25 and 26, 2020. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel well cared for and safe. Students report high levels of happiness and supportive relationships with both their peers and teachers. The school fosters a culture of kindness, with pupils looking after one another and demonstrating good behavior. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, pupils are confident that staff will address them effectively. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children enjoy attending and making new friends.
The school sets high expectations for its pupils, who work diligently in lessons and take pride in their achievements. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, which contributes to the positive learning atmosphere. A significant portion of the student body speaks English as an additional language, and the school has implemented an effective curriculum that supports these pupils in their transition to secondary education. Most pupils achieve well by the end of key stage two, regardless of their starting points.
Edleston Primary School offers numerous opportunities for pupils to explore local interests and develop personally. The assembly program is well-structured, and pupils can take on leadership roles, such as participating in the school council. The school has carefully considered its curriculum, particularly important given the diverse linguistic backgrounds of its students. Leaders prioritize essential knowledge and vocabulary development, ensuring that pupils progress effectively through the curriculum.
Phonics instruction is a key focus, with leaders ensuring that it is taught effectively from the outset. Children quickly learn the sounds associated with letters, and the reading materials provided align with their phonetic knowledge. As a result, most pupils become confident and fluent readers by the end of key stage two. Those who struggle with reading receive the necessary support to catch up. While the proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in the phonics screening check appears low, this is attributed to the additional time required for pupils who speak English as an additional language to develop their reading skills.
Reading remains a priority throughout the school, with teachers selecting challenging texts that enhance vocabulary and writing skills. Older pupils enjoy reading for pleasure, and the stories read by teachers further enrich their literary experience. The mathematics curriculum is also well-planned, with children in the Reception class demonstrating a solid understanding of numbers. Staff possess strong knowledge of effective mathematics instruction, allowing pupils to build on their skills progressively.
Recent changes to the curriculum in subjects like history, geography, and science have been thoughtfully implemented, although leaders acknowledge the need for further development to ensure that all teachers effectively plan lessons that enhance pupils' knowledge retention. The curriculum is inclusive, catering well to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, who achieve commendably due to high expectations and appropriate support.
Pupils have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, with well-organized lunchtime play and after-school clubs. The school parliament provides a platform for pupils to voice their opinions. Overall, the school community demonstrates a strong partnership among staff, leaders, and governors, contributing to a positive educational environment. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address concerns effectively. The school maintains a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe both online and offline.
