Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Fir Ends Primary School on 6 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher, staff, and governors, has fostered a warm and welcoming environment, clearly communicating expectations and sharing a vision for pupil success. Governors are actively involved, frequently visiting the school and understanding its strengths and areas for development, which aids in accurate self-evaluation and timely improvement priorities.
Parents expressed positive feedback during the inspection, highlighting the hard work and availability of the staff. Pupils were noted to be polite, well-mannered, and engaged in their learning, benefiting from outdoor learning opportunities. The school has effectively addressed previous recommendations to improve writing skills, with teachers modeling good speaking and writing practices. Pupils are encouraged to write purposefully across subjects, demonstrating improved vocabulary and grammar. However, improvements in spelling are still in the early stages.
The development of middle leaders has been a focus, with a committed team receiving high-quality training. While some middle leaders are still gaining experience, they are dedicated to raising standards. Safeguarding practices are effective, with a strong culture of pupil welfare. Staff know the pupils and their families well, providing timely support. Safety is integrated into the curriculum, and pupils feel safe, reporting no bullying incidents.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including the effectiveness of leaders' actions to improve outcomes at the end of key stage one. In Year 2, writing and mathematics standards were below the national average in 2018. Teachers set high expectations and provide regular problem-solving opportunities in mathematics, leading to good progress. In English, there is an emphasis on handwriting and writing practice across subjects, with support for pupils struggling with letter formation.
The inspection also examined reading progress. Pupils develop early reading and phonics skills effectively, although some lack stamina for longer reading. Teachers provide appropriately leveled reading books that engage pupils. The introduction of comprehension and inference skill development has positively impacted pupils' reading enjoyment and progress.
Phonics teaching has been reviewed, with staff accurately assessing progress and providing additional support where needed. Most pupils meet the expected standard in the phonics screening check by the end of Year 1, with those who do not receiving effective support. However, there is a need for pupils to consistently apply their phonics knowledge in writing.
Next steps for the school include continuing to develop the curriculum to build systematically on prior learning in subjects beyond English and mathematics, as well as reviewing the effectiveness of phonics and spelling teaching to ensure high standards in writing. The inspection findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders, and the letter will be published on the Ofsted website.
