Pillowell Community Primary School, located in Gloucestershire, underwent an inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of focus identified. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. Leadership and management were found to require improvement as well.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, with staff knowing the children and their families well. Pupils express pride in their school, and older students enjoy mentoring younger ones, which helps instill a sense of responsibility. Despite recent improvements, the curriculum changes have not yet been fully established, leading to gaps in pupils' learning. While most students behave appropriately and understand school rules, there are instances of disruption that staff address promptly.
Pupils generally feel safe and confident in discussing their concerns with adults at the school. They learn about safety in various contexts, such as bike safety and interactions with dogs. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports, which help students develop their interests and talents.
The leadership team has a clear vision for the school and recognizes the need for further improvements. A new curriculum has been introduced, but it is not yet fully embedded, and staff, including subject leaders, lack familiarity with it. This has resulted in pupils struggling to retain prior knowledge, hindering their overall learning progression. In the early years, children adapt well and build strong relationships with adults, benefiting from language and communication development activities.
Assessment systems have been implemented but are not yet effectively used to identify gaps in learning. Consequently, pupils do not build on their existing knowledge. The school is working on enhancing its reading approach, having introduced a new phonics scheme. However, some staff lack the necessary training, leading to difficulties for some pupils in mastering phonics and reading fluency. Although the school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, some pupils report a lack of enjoyment in reading and struggle to discuss their favorite books or authors.
The school demonstrates a commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support. Behaviour is generally positive, and pupils engage in various activities during playtime, earning rewards for their efforts.
The school promotes personal development effectively, teaching pupils about fairness and responsibility through initiatives like fundraising for local charities. While pupils learn about online safety, some struggle to retain this knowledge. Most parents express positive views about the school, appreciating the communication and approachability of staff.
Staff acknowledge the changes within the school and feel supported in their workload and well-being. The governing body is aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, aiming to enhance the educational experience for all students. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for pupils.
To improve, the school must focus on ensuring a secure understanding of curriculum implementation across all subjects and provide necessary training for staff. Prioritizing phonics training is essential to support pupils in their reading development. Additionally, establishing effective assessment practices will help address learning gaps and enhance pupils' knowledge retention.
