Egginton Primary School, located in Derbyshire, has been inspected and maintains its overall judgement of good. The inspection, conducted on 11 May 2023, revealed that while the school is performing well, there are areas that require improvement. Pupils express happiness and safety within the school environment, feeling supported by staff who are attentive to their needs. The school promotes a culture of respect and adherence to its golden rules, resulting in commendable behaviour among students. Instances of bullying are rare, and any issues that arise are addressed promptly by staff.
The school fosters a sense of community, with pupils of all ages interacting positively during social times. Older students take on responsibilities, such as being lunchtime table monitors, which contributes to their development. However, the report indicates that pupils are not achieving consistently well across all subjects. In certain areas, school leaders have not clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, which affects their overall learning outcomes.
Parents and carers generally hold a positive view of the school, appreciating the sense of togetherness that it fosters. The curriculum is designed to reflect the breadth of the national curriculum, with a strong emphasis on mathematics. Leaders have identified key knowledge for mathematics but have not done so effectively in other subjects. Teachers are seen to plan lessons that build on prior learning in some subjects, utilizing assessments to gauge student understanding in mathematics and English. However, the same level of assessment development is lacking in other subjects, leading to misconceptions among some pupils.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing for logical progression in learning. Teachers provide appropriately challenging activities and maintain high expectations for student achievement. Early years pupils are reported to be focused and achieving well. Reading is a priority, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Pupils are matched with books that align with their phonics knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. Nonetheless, there is a noted lack of access to a diverse range of texts as students progress through the school, and teachers do not consistently read stories to their classes.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported effectively, with teachers adapting the curriculum to meet their needs. The school prioritizes pupil well-being, and students engage in various activities that enrich their educational experience. However, there is a gap in pupils' understanding of diversity and equality, which is essential for preparing them for life in modern Britain. The report highlights that pupils struggle to recall what they have learned about different faiths and cultures.
Staff express pride in being part of a supportive team, and parents report that their children feel happy and safe at school. The governing body is effective and understands its role in supporting the school. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and act on concerns swiftly. The school has a culture of safeguarding that is evident in its operations.
To improve, the school needs to clarify the key knowledge required in foundation subjects and develop a consistent approach to assessing learning in these areas. Additionally, leaders should ensure that reading materials are suitably challenging and diverse, and provide opportunities for pupils to learn about diversity and equality comprehensively. Overall, while Egginton Primary School demonstrates many strengths, addressing these areas will enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
