Peartree Spring Primary School, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8 and 9, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and part of the Peartree family. The atmosphere is described as warm and calm, conducive to learning. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, responding to the high expectations set by the staff. They listen attentively, work diligently, and strive to do their best in all activities.
Friendship is highly valued at Peartree Spring, with pupils understanding the importance of loyalty, kindness, and trustworthiness. They appreciate the relationships they build and show respect for each other's differences. The school promotes inclusivity, ensuring that every pupil feels unique and special. Safety is a priority, and pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying. They trust the adults in the school to support them and address any issues that may arise.
The curriculum at Peartree Spring is broad and engaging, designed to help pupils achieve their potential. Leaders have established clear expectations for what pupils should know and remember across most subjects. However, there are areas where clarity is lacking regarding the specific knowledge and vocabulary that should be taught. This gap can lead to difficulties in recalling prior learning and applying it to new concepts, which may hinder pupils' overall achievement in those subjects.
Teachers at the school are well-trained and effectively present new information to pupils. They collaborate to enhance their teaching practices and utilize assessments to reinforce learning. The positive attitudes of pupils towards learning are evident, as they rarely disrupt lessons. Early reading instruction is a particular strength, with teachers implementing effective routines and resources that foster confident and eager readers. However, some pupils in the early stages of reading struggle with books that do not align with their current knowledge of sounds, impacting their confidence and fluency.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders quickly identify these pupils' needs and provide teachers with the necessary information to offer appropriate support. The Willow Centre, a specialist provision within the school, further assists in meeting these needs, allowing pupils with SEND to thrive alongside their peers.
Early years provision is another area of strength, with children making a positive start to their educational journey. Leaders have high expectations for behavior and achievement, resulting in confident and independent learners ready for the next stage of their education.
Peartree Spring Primary School actively encourages pupils to be responsible and respectful members of their community. A variety of clubs, visits, and opportunities for leadership are available, promoting mental and physical well-being. The governing body and school leaders work collaboratively to enhance the school's performance while considering staff workload in their decision-making processes.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns promptly. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure pupil safety and provides education on online safety and healthy relationships.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is detailed enough across all subjects to guide teachers in delivering essential knowledge effectively. Additionally, it is crucial to provide early readers with books that match their reading level to build their confidence and fluency. Overall, Peartree Spring Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
