Aston-on-Trent Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 13-14, 2019. The school provides a high-quality education where pupils respect one another, and positive relationships exist between staff and students. The staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to do their best and enjoy their learning experiences. Pupils demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning and express a desire to attend school.
The school fosters a sense of responsibility among pupils, who take pride in roles such as class ambassadors, school councillors, and playground buddies. They actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, friendly, and courteous, often helping one another by holding doors open and lining up sensibly.
Pupils report feeling happy and safe at school, attributing this to the care and attention provided by the staff. They speak positively about the school environment, noting that incidents of bullying are rare and that they trust staff to address any issues promptly. Parents echo these sentiments, appreciating the supportive and approachable nature of the teachers.
The leadership team at Aston-on-Trent Primary School is ambitious for its pupils, offering a broad curriculum enriched with diverse experiences. Pupils are exposed to various cultures and professions, preparing them for future opportunities. Since the last inspection, leaders have made significant improvements, fostering a collaborative environment among staff to meet the needs of all pupils. Teachers feel supported, and their workloads are manageable.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to the Reception Year, with staff prioritizing early reading skills. They learn to recognize sounds and blend them effectively, enabling them to read words. In Key Stage 1, pupils develop decoding skills and engage with simple texts. Teachers ensure that reading materials align with the sounds pupils have learned, while older students tackle more complex texts, including classical literature. However, not all pupils have regular access to engaging reading experiences.
Mathematics instruction builds on prior knowledge, with young children developing a solid understanding of numbers and their correct formation. Key Stage 1 pupils utilize various strategies for counting and addition, articulating their thought processes clearly. Many pupils are eager to learn multiplication tables, and they have ample opportunities to apply their mathematical skills to problem-solving tasks. Pupils express that they feel challenged yet supported in their learning.
In history, teachers ensure that pupils build on previous knowledge, helping them make connections between past and current lessons. For instance, Year 2 pupils can place significant historical events on a timeline, while older students recall information about ancient civilizations and analyze evidence from various sources.
Despite the strengths of the curriculum, leaders acknowledge that some subjects, such as modern foreign languages, require further development to ensure that pupils can build on their prior knowledge effectively. Plans are in place to address these areas.
The school is particularly effective in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have high expectations for these pupils, and teachers are well-informed about their learning needs. The curriculum is adapted to ensure that all pupils receive the support they require.
Pupils demonstrate care for one another, and mealtimes are characterized by a harmonious atmosphere, contributing to a positive school community. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving thorough training to ensure pupil safety. Staff are knowledgeable about reporting concerns and work collaboratively with external agencies when necessary. Pupils feel secure in their environment, and parents largely agree with this sentiment.
To further enhance the educational experience, leaders should focus on developing the curriculum to ensure that all subjects allow pupils to build on their prior knowledge systematically. This will help maintain the high standards of education that Aston-on-Trent Primary School is known for. The school has shown a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that it remains a supportive and enriching environment for all its pupils.
