Wren Park Primary School, located in Mickleover, Derby, underwent an inspection on February 14 and 15, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a significant change from its previous outstanding rating from 13 years ago. The quality of education was deemed good, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as requiring improvement. The early years provision, however, maintained a good rating.
The inspection highlighted that the school has a welcoming environment where staff greet pupils and their families each morning. Pupils generally enjoy attending school and appreciate its diverse community. Most lessons see pupils behaving well, and they understand the school rules. Pupils feel safe and have mechanisms in place, such as a worry box, to express their concerns. However, some older pupils reported issues with respect among peers, which had not been adequately addressed by school leaders prior to the inspection.
The curriculum at Wren Park is broad and balanced, with essential knowledge clearly identified from early years through to Year 6. This structured approach allows for progressive learning, particularly noted in subjects like computing. Pupils in Key Stage 2 are making good progress across the curriculum, although there were concerns regarding writing performance in 2022, which leaders have since addressed. Teachers effectively use assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and ensure that pupils build on prior learning.
Reading instruction is strong, with early years pupils engaging enthusiastically in phonics lessons. Support is provided for those needing extra help, leading to increased fluency and understanding in reading. The school fosters a love of reading, with initiatives like the Wren reading challenge encouraging regular reading among pupils.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in personal development. Pupils do not have a well-rounded understanding of British values, which affects their ability to navigate societal norms and expectations. Leaders have not sufficiently addressed the behavior of some older pupils, which has negatively impacted the self-esteem of those affected. Additionally, the support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities lacks clarity in terms of ambitious targets and individual needs.
The leadership team is considerate of staff workload and provides support, which is appreciated by most staff members. However, some subject leaders are new and have not yet developed the necessary oversight to ensure effective curriculum delivery. This gap hinders their ability to identify areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wren Park are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and clear reporting systems in place. Pupils are educated on online safety, equipping them with strategies to manage their online interactions.
To improve, the school must ensure that all subject leaders are equipped to monitor curriculum delivery effectively and that ambitious targets for pupils with special educational needs are established. Addressing the behavioral issues among older pupils and enhancing the understanding of British values among all pupils are also critical areas for development. Overall, while Wren Park Primary School has several strengths, particularly in its curriculum and reading instruction, it must address key areas to enhance the overall educational experience for its pupils.
