Creswick Primary and Nursery School, located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, underwent an inspection on December 6 and 7, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
Pupils at Creswick Primary benefit from positive changes implemented by the leadership team. They understand the importance of following instructions and maintaining sensible behavior. Reports from students indicate that bullying is infrequent, and they trust the staff to address any issues fairly. The school promotes a culture of striving for excellence, encouraging pupils to meet high expectations through initiatives like going for gold. This approach fosters essential values such as cooperation and motivation, enabling students to take full advantage of the diverse learning opportunities available, including special events and extracurricular activities.
While the school has ambitious educational goals, there is inconsistency in the quality of subject knowledge among teachers, which affects the delivery of instruction in certain subjects. Consequently, some pupils may not receive the precise guidance they need. Nevertheless, students feel safe and supported, with staff fostering an environment where pupils can express their concerns. Parents have noted a positive shift in the school's culture under the new leadership.
Recent changes in senior leadership have led to decisive actions aimed at addressing key weaknesses. Leaders have prioritized improvements based on feedback from staff, parents, and pupils, particularly in managing behavior. In classrooms, pupils exhibit respect and productivity, with minimal disruption during lessons. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious from the outset, outlining the knowledge pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. However, variations in teachers' subject knowledge result in inconsistent teaching effectiveness, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding.
Leaders have established systems for assessing pupils' knowledge, and in most cases, teachers effectively use these assessments to correct misconceptions. While leaders are aware of the strengths and weaknesses in teaching, further work is needed to ensure consistent effectiveness across the school. Subject leaders require additional support to monitor the curriculum's impact on pupil achievement.
The school places a high priority on reading, with daily phonics sessions aimed at supporting early reading skills. However, the effectiveness of phonics instruction varies due to differing staff expertise, which can hinder pupils' learning. Despite this, older pupils receive the necessary support to read confidently across the curriculum.
The nursery provision is a notable strength, with staff providing meaningful teaching that prepares children well for their future education. However, the quality of interactions in the Reception class is limited by staff subject knowledge. Pupils demonstrate good conduct, contributing to a calm learning environment, and they are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community.
Governors have been actively seeking improvements, particularly in stabilizing staffing and appointing a new headteacher. However, they have not consistently held leaders accountable for all aspects of education and policy implementation. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are well-trained and that pupils are encouraged to share their concerns.
To improve, the school must ensure that all teaching staff possess secure subject knowledge to effectively deliver the curriculum. Subject leaders need to monitor the curriculum's implementation and impact on pupil achievement. Additionally, governors should enhance their oversight to ensure that leaders' actions are consistently effective in driving improvement.
