Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection at Gillingham Primary School on May 19, 2021, following three consecutive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress made since the last section 5 inspection. The findings indicate that school leaders and governors are taking effective actions to improve the school and are committed to achieving a good rating.
Since the last inspection, the school has welcomed four new teachers and made changes to the leadership structure, particularly in English and mathematics. The leadership of special educational needs has also been reviewed to enhance support for pupils with additional needs. While the pandemic has posed challenges, leaders have remained focused on curriculum development, although some areas have not progressed as quickly as intended.
The inspection revealed that the headteacher has high expectations for both staff and pupils. The school is systematically addressing previously identified weaknesses, and the improvement plans are detailed and focused on the right priorities. Parents have expressed strong support for the school, reflecting a positive community relationship.
Reading is a priority for school leaders, with early years and key stage 1 pupils receiving books that match their reading abilities. Those needing extra support are identified and assisted promptly. The use of nursery rhymes and games in Reception Year is emphasized to foster reading development. Engagement in learning is evident among pupils, including those with special educational needs, and accurate assessments help address gaps in phonics knowledge.
The curriculum is being developed to ensure pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Improvements in reading, writing, and mathematics are prioritized, and progress is being made in other subjects. Leaders are working to ensure that staff understand how to select key knowledge for pupils to remember, which is evident in subjects like history, geography, and science. However, further work is needed to ensure that the curriculum is well-sequenced across all subjects.
The leadership of special educational needs has increased capacity, allowing staff to identify pupils requiring additional support more accurately. There is an acknowledgment that further work is necessary to ensure effective support for these pupils. Subject leaders are eager to improve and are gaining confidence in their subject knowledge, which aids in supporting their colleagues. The development of curriculum leaders is well-supported, contributing to future leadership capacity.
Governors are well-informed about the school's operations and are becoming more skilled in asking relevant questions. This has led to a more systematic approach in ensuring the school focuses on the right priorities. The local authority continues to provide valuable support and challenge, facilitating discussions on the impact of actions taken. Both the school and the local authority recognize the need to develop an effective curriculum across all subjects to prepare pupils for their next educational stage.
The inspection involved meetings with various stakeholders, including senior leaders, staff, pupils, and representatives from the local authority. Observations of lessons, reviews of pupils' work, and feedback from parents and staff were also part of the evaluation process. The findings will be shared with the governing body, regional schools commissioner, and the director of children's services for Dorset, and the letter will be published on the Ofsted reports website. Overall, the inspection indicates a positive trajectory for Gillingham Primary School as it works towards improvement.
