Firfield Primary School, located in Breaston, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are described as polite, friendly, and hardworking. They take pride in being part of the Firfield community, often referred to as the ‘Firfield Family.’ The leadership team is ambitious, aiming for all pupils to flourish and thrive, and they maintain high expectations for behavior, which contributes to both personal and academic progress. By the time pupils complete Year 6, they leave the school confident, sociable, and equipped with a solid understanding of the subjects they have studied.
Pupils at Firfield are motivated to succeed, valuing their learning time while also enjoying social interactions. They demonstrate respect for their peers and staff, engaging in simple acts of kindness such as holding doors open and greeting one another. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils reporting that incidents are rare and that they feel supported by adults when issues arise. The trust between pupils and staff creates a safe environment for learning.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and leadership opportunities, which pupils appreciate. They are eager to contribute positively to their school and the wider community, taking on roles such as school council representatives and ambassadors for various initiatives.
Leaders have recently implemented a new curriculum, carefully considering what knowledge pupils need and when they should acquire it. The outcomes for reading, writing, and mathematics are high, as pupils retain the essential knowledge that leaders prioritize. However, in a few foundation subjects, there is a need for improvement in how knowledge builds on prior learning, which has led to inconsistencies in the intended curriculum delivery. Leaders are aware of these gaps and have plans to refine these areas.
Reading is a key focus at Firfield, with staff receiving training on a new phonics program. Early years teachers excel in phonics instruction, ensuring that children learn effectively from the start. While most pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge, some early learners do not receive the precise support needed to catch up, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, allowing children to develop essential skills and knowledge for their future education. Staff maintain strong relationships with families, particularly during the initial transition into school. Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, with leaders collaborating with external professionals to provide tailored assistance.
Pupils display a positive attitude towards school and learning, actively engaging in lessons and playing well together during breaks. The school environment is calm and orderly, with initiatives like ‘mini leaders’ promoting organized play activities.
Leaders have identified key characteristics they want all pupils to develop, such as being healthy advocates and resilient learners. This vision informs the personal, social, health, and economic curriculum, as well as the broader educational offerings. The school celebrates pupils' achievements, fostering a sense of pride and community.
Governors effectively fulfill their responsibilities, demonstrating awareness of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff appreciate the leaders' consideration of workload, ensuring a balanced approach to new initiatives.
The safeguarding arrangements at Firfield are robust, with a strong culture of safety. Leaders and governors maintain oversight, ensuring that staff are well-trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils feel secure and know they can approach trusted adults with any worries.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school must ensure that all staff possess the necessary subject knowledge to teach reading effectively and systematically check pupils' retention of previously taught knowledge across subjects. This will help address gaps in learning and support all pupils in achieving their full potential.
