Etwall Primary School, located in Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 7 and 8, 2023. The school fosters strong, positive relationships between pupils and staff, creating an environment where students feel confident, safe, and happy. The ethos of the school encourages pupils to be safe, respectful, and ready to learn, and students respond positively to these expectations. Many pupils take on leadership roles, such as the ‘I-vengers’ who promote internet safety and mental well-being ambassadors, which further enhances their sense of responsibility.
The school has a proactive approach to bullying, with pupils reporting that it is rare. When conflicts arise, staff address them promptly, ensuring that pupils understand the seriousness of bullying and that it is taken seriously by the school. The early years provision is well-structured, engaging children and fostering excitement about learning new things. Parents and carers overwhelmingly support the school, with many expressing pride in having it in their community.
The curriculum at Etwall Primary School is broad and well-organized, covering the national curriculum effectively. Leaders have broken down the curriculum into essential knowledge and key vocabulary, which aids teachers in delivering lessons in a logical sequence. While most teachers demonstrate a good level of subject knowledge, some require further training in specific subjects to enhance their teaching effectiveness. Teachers employ appropriate activities to help pupils learn and retain information, particularly in mathematics, where prior learning is frequently revisited.
The school excels in its early reading curriculum, which is designed to develop fluent readers. All staff are trained in early reading strategies, ensuring a consistent approach to teaching phonics. The books provided to pupils align closely with their phonetic knowledge, allowing them to practice and build confidence in their reading skills. Ongoing assessment enables teachers to identify and support pupils who may be falling behind, ensuring they remain on track with the reading program.
Pupils in the Reception Year are well-prepared for their next educational stage, with activities designed to engage and develop their understanding across various learning areas. The curriculum extends beyond academics, teaching pupils about safety, health, and the diversity of modern Britain. The school also offers opportunities for spiritual development through assemblies led by local community members and provides outdoor learning experiences through forest school provisions.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students demonstrating enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards learning. Leaders have implemented numerous changes to enhance the school, ensuring that staff feel supported and that their well-being is considered. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. The school maintains detailed records of concerns and engages external agencies when necessary to ensure pupil safety.
Despite the strengths, the school must address areas for improvement. Some teachers lack the necessary skills and knowledge to teach certain foundation subjects effectively, which can hinder pupil achievement. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that all teachers receive the subject-specific training required to deliver the curriculum effectively. Additionally, there are instances where pupils do not achieve the depth of knowledge outlined in the curriculum, indicating a need for consistent and rigorous work across all subjects. Overall, Etwall Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
