Arkwright Primary School, located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, underwent an inspection on May 10 and 11, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving similar ratings. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
Pupils at Arkwright Primary School are well cared for and receive the emotional support they need. Staff members are attentive and approachable, ensuring that students feel comfortable discussing their concerns. The positive behavior management system in place helps students understand expectations and encourages them to work hard. Pupils take pride in their roles, such as playground leaders and members of the school council, and they actively participate in fundraising activities. The school fosters a sense of safety, with pupils reporting that bullying is rare and effectively addressed by staff when it occurs.
While pupils are engaged and work diligently in lessons, the curriculum lacks proper planning and sequencing in certain areas, which affects the overall quality of education. Reading instruction is a strength of the school, with a well-structured phonics program that is consistently delivered. Pupils enjoy reading and are motivated by various incentives, including access to a book vending machine. However, other subjects, including mathematics and personal, social, and health education, are not as well organized, leading to inconsistencies in knowledge acquisition across the curriculum.
In the early years, children enjoy their learning experiences, but the curriculum is not adequately planned or sequenced. This inconsistency impacts their development, particularly in communication and language skills. The school recognizes the importance of supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are identified and addressed effectively.
The personal development curriculum is well-structured, promoting inclusivity and understanding among pupils. They learn about diverse family structures and the importance of equality. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to engage in sports, computing, and performing arts.
Leadership at Arkwright Primary School is a mixed picture. While senior leaders have established a strong community presence and are well-regarded by parents and pupils, there are areas needing improvement. The quality of education is not yet at the desired standard, and leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of behavioral trends and exclusions. This gap hinders their ability to identify and address underlying issues effectively.
Governors are committed to the school but tend to rely heavily on information provided by senior leaders without utilizing a broad range of evidence to assess the school's performance independently. This reliance limits their ability to challenge leaders effectively regarding curriculum quality, alternative provision, and the use of additional funding.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of distress and act promptly to provide support. Pupils feel secure and know they can approach any staff member with concerns. The school has established mechanisms, such as worry boxes, to facilitate communication about issues affecting students.
To improve, the school must focus on fully planning and sequencing the curriculum for key stages one and two, ensuring that pupils consistently acquire knowledge and skills across all subjects. The early years curriculum also requires attention to establish clear learning objectives. Additionally, leaders should closely monitor behavior patterns and exclusions to identify trends and provide targeted support for at-risk pupils. Governors need to enhance their oversight by using a wider range of evidence to hold leaders accountable for all aspects of the school's provision, thereby accelerating improvement efforts.
Overall, while Arkwright Primary School has strengths in pupil support and engagement, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and leadership effectiveness.
