Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Queen Margaret Primary School on April 26, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The inspector engaged with the headteacher, senior leaders, staff, governors, and local authority representatives to discuss the actions taken to enhance the school’s performance, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector also observed phonics lessons, listened to pupils read, met with subject leaders, and reviewed various documents related to school improvement.
The findings indicate that while the school continues to require improvement, there has been notable progress in several areas. The leadership team has prioritized curriculum design, identifying essential knowledge for pupils and ensuring a progression of key concepts. Subject leadership has been attentive to building pupils’ cultural capital, leading to the identification of enriching activities that broaden pupils’ understanding of modern British life. The curriculum is now better sequenced, allowing teachers to identify gaps in knowledge and tailor their instruction accordingly. However, some pupils still struggle to recall their learning confidently, as certain subjects are not yet being taught as intended.
The phonics curriculum has achieved consistency, resulting in most pupils learning effectively. Support for pupils needing to catch up, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities, has proven effective. Teachers maintain high expectations and continuously check on pupils’ learning, addressing misconceptions promptly to enhance accuracy. The governing body plays a supportive role, holding the leadership accountable and ensuring that external support is well-matched to the needs of the pupils. Governors actively monitor the information provided by the leadership to verify the effectiveness of actions taken.
Collaboration with a school improvement partner, the local authority, and a multi-academy trust has positively influenced the school’s development. The staff has welcomed the support and advice, leading to increased understanding and confidence among subject leaders. However, the monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum's impact remain underdeveloped. Subject leaders appreciate the opportunity to work with external support and are eager to further develop their subjects.
In summary, Queen Margaret Primary School has made strides in addressing previous weaknesses, particularly in curriculum design and phonics instruction. While there is a clear commitment to improvement, further action is necessary to ensure that all pupils can confidently recall their learning and that the curriculum is implemented as intended across all subjects. The leadership team, supported by governors and external partners, is focused on continuing this journey of improvement, with the aim of achieving a good rating in future inspections. The school community is encouraged to maintain momentum in these efforts to foster an environment where all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
