Althorpe and Keadby Primary School, located in Keadby, Scunthorpe, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on October 11 and 12, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, the personal development aspect was rated as outstanding, highlighting the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience for its pupils.
The inspection revealed that leaders at the school are ambitious for all students, and pupils take pride in their school and community. They achieve well academically and are taught essential life skills, including resilience, respect, money management, and online safety. The positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a safe and supportive environment where kindness, tolerance, and acceptance are emphasized. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, which pupils, particularly older students, meet with good manners and collaborative work. Classrooms are described as calm and purposeful, with effective support provided to younger pupils to help them focus on their learning.
The school excels in offering a robust personal development program, ensuring that all pupils have access to enriching experiences. Leaders encourage students to embrace adventure and participate in activities that promote a healthy body and mind. Educational visits and events extend beyond the local area, sometimes involving parents and carers, thereby fostering a sense of community engagement.
The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of pupils, particularly in subjects like mathematics, geography, and physical education. Leaders have carefully planned the knowledge that pupils should acquire, allowing them to learn about their community and the wider world. Teachers deliver lessons clearly and consistently, addressing misconceptions and ensuring that pupils can articulate their learning effectively.
However, the inspection also identified areas for improvement. A new approach to teaching early reading has been recently implemented but is still in the early stages of development. This has resulted in some inconsistencies in phonics instruction, with pupils not spending enough time practicing what they have learned. Consequently, some early readers are not developing secure phonics knowledge quickly enough. The school recognizes the need for a more structured and rigorous approach to phonics teaching and has begun to address this issue.
The reading curriculum is well-developed for fluent readers, providing a structured approach to enhance their reading skills. Pupils have expressed positive feedback regarding the variety of books available to them. In the early years, children benefit from a strong start, with adults effectively encouraging language development. However, the curriculum for older pupils in the early years requires further refinement to ensure that the knowledge they need to acquire is clear and sequential. This lack of clarity can lead to inconsistencies in teaching priorities and meaningful learning opportunities.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. The school places significant emphasis on personal development, with a well-structured curriculum for personal, social, and health education. Pupils engage in discussions about important social issues, demonstrating maturity and understanding of topics such as racism and homophobia. They are also knowledgeable about fundamental British values and their relevance in modern society.
The school community, including parents and staff, expresses overwhelming positivity regarding the support provided by school leaders. Staff feel part of a cohesive team, and governors are aware of their responsibilities, recognizing the school's role as a vital community hub. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
In summary, Althorpe and Keadby Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering personal development. While there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in phonics instruction and early years curriculum development, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. The positive relationships, ambitious curriculum, and focus on personal growth contribute to a supportive and enriching educational environment for all pupils.
