Panshanger Primary School, located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 30 and 31, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The inspection highlighted that pupils are polite and respectful, demonstrating a strong sense of community. Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the school, describing it as wonderful and supportive. The school fosters a culture of trust, where pupils feel comfortable approaching staff with any concerns.
Behaviour at Panshanger Primary is commendable, with pupils exhibiting good conduct both in classrooms and throughout the school. This positive behaviour is evident from the early years, where children are taught to listen and follow routines. The school promotes a buddy system that encourages caring relationships among pupils, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. Instances of bullying are rare, and staff are proactive in addressing any behavioural issues that arise.
Academically, pupils work hard and achieve well across various subjects, particularly in music, art, and Spanish. The school has implemented a well-structured reading curriculum that enables pupils to develop their phonics knowledge effectively from an early age. This strong foundation in reading supports their writing skills and overall literacy development. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, and they express enthusiasm for their favourite authors.
The school emphasizes the importance of fairness and equality, teaching pupils to challenge stereotypes and understand that opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of background or gender. Through participation in the school council, pupils learn about democracy and the value of diverse cultures and religions. This holistic approach to education helps pupils develop into well-rounded individuals, preparing them for their future educational journeys.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge and skills they want pupils to acquire, but in some subjects, the curriculum is still developing. There is a need for clearer identification of the specific knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn from early years through to Year 6. Additionally, teachers need to enhance their assessment practices to better understand pupils' prior knowledge and adapt their teaching accordingly.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leaders quickly identify the needs of these pupils and work closely with various agencies to provide appropriate support. Staff effectively use targeted strategies to ensure that pupils with SEND make strong progress in their learning.
Panshanger Primary School places a strong emphasis on the mental well-being of its pupils, offering a range of pastoral support and teaching effective emotional management strategies. Pupils are encouraged to be healthy, happy, and kind, fostering a positive school culture.
Staff at the school feel valued and express pride in being part of the school community. The governing body brings a diverse range of experiences to their roles, although there is a need for them to deepen their understanding of the provision for vulnerable pupils, particularly those with SEND.
The safeguarding arrangements at Panshanger Primary are effective, with leaders ensuring that all staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school maintains thorough records and conducts necessary checks to ensure the safety of pupils.
Overall, Panshanger Primary School provides a good quality of education, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its pupils while identifying areas for further development to enhance the learning experience.
