Gurnard Primary School, located in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from November 5 to November 6, 2019. The school fosters a love for education among its pupils, who enjoy attending this vibrant institution and rarely miss school. During the inspection, Year 6 students expressed their excitement about a visit to the Making of Harry Potter studios, highlighting how such experiences enhance their learning in computing and design technology. Pupils appreciate the challenges presented by their teachers across various subjects and enjoy a wide range of sports and musical opportunities.
The leadership at Gurnard Primary School maintains high expectations for both learning and behavior. Pupils demonstrate hard work and take pride in their achievements, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school. Reports from students indicate that bullying is infrequent, and they feel confident that teachers would address any issues promptly. The students are well-informed about how to respond to bullying and feel safe within the school environment. They also understand the importance of safety in various situations, including online interactions. Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the safe and enjoyable learning environment provided by the school.
The school excels in its educational offerings, with leaders and governors committed to delivering the best possible education. They have carefully structured the curriculum, allowing teachers to specialize in specific subjects, which has resulted in a highly skilled teaching team with strong subject knowledge. Pupils enjoy being taught by different teachers in various subjects, which contributes to their sense of maturity and readiness for high school. The curriculum is well-planned, particularly in mathematics, where recent improvements have led to significantly above-average attainment at the end of key stage two.
In subjects like computing and science, leaders have ensured that teachers are well-prepared to deliver the curriculum effectively. However, some subjects, such as history and geography, require further development in their planning. Teachers are proficient in teaching reading and phonics, with early years pupils quickly learning to read confidently. The school library boasts a wide range of books, and pupils take pride in their reading achievements.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is in place, with plans designed to help teachers adapt their teaching methods. However, there is a need for further training to ensure that the curriculum is effectively adapted in specialist subjects for these pupils. The school also emphasizes the importance of pupils understanding their role in the wider community, engaging in initiatives such as beach clean-ups and learning about friendship and peer pressure.
The safeguarding arrangements at Gurnard Primary School are effective, with leaders demonstrating a strong commitment to the welfare and safety of pupils. Staff training is regular and relevant, ensuring that all staff are aware of local risks and know how to respond to concerns about a child's safety. The school conducts thorough checks on adults working or volunteering within the school.
To improve further, leaders should ensure that all foundation subjects are coherently sequenced to build pupils' knowledge and skills effectively. Additionally, they need to monitor the impact of newly introduced teaching approaches on pupils' learning. Overall, Gurnard Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and academic achievement.
