Eastington Primary School, located in Gloucestershire, was inspected on December 6 and 7, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation for fostering positive behavior and attitudes among its pupils, who demonstrate respect for one another and staff. The pupils take pride in their contributions to the school community, actively supporting the well-being of their peers. For instance, Year 6 students engage with younger pupils during break times, promoting a sense of camaraderie. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and when it does occur, staff address it promptly.
The leadership team at Eastington Primary School sets high expectations for both staff and students, creating a harmonious and productive environment. Pupils are encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyles, participate in physical activities, and prioritize their mental health. This is exemplified by events such as a tag rugby tournament for Key Stage 2 pupils. The after-school clubs available further support the leaders' vision for student well-being, and pupils express enjoyment in attending these activities.
Older students exhibit a mature understanding of personal development, including concepts of equality and diversity, as well as fundamental British values. The curriculum is well-structured, and leaders have carefully considered how to implement it in mixed-age classes. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding teachers' subject specialisms, which sometimes leads to lower expectations for pupil achievement.
Assessment practices are effective, with teachers regularly checking pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Reading is a notable strength of the school, with staff trained in delivering a new phonics scheme that has proven successful. From an early age, pupils learn phonics and apply this knowledge to their reading and writing, leading to increased confidence among weaker readers. The school library is a valued resource, and staff provide guidance on appropriate reading materials.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have prioritized writing, focusing on handwriting and encouraging pupils to develop stamina for longer writing tasks. The curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students can learn effectively alongside their peers.
Pupils consistently demonstrate positive attitudes towards their education, showing motivation and resilience. When challenges arise, leaders implement thoughtful and effective support strategies. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum prepares pupils for future educational transitions, equipping them with skills to become responsible citizens.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, taking pride in the school's achievements. Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective recruitment checks and staff training in line with current guidelines. Pupils are educated on online safety and healthy relationships, and the school has policies in place to raise awareness of issues such as sexual harassment and online abuse.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for growth. Leaders need to ensure that expectations for pupil capabilities are consistently high across all subjects to provide adequate challenges for students. Overall, Eastington Primary School is a well-regarded institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in educational outcomes.
