Moira Primary School, located in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, underwent an inspection on 26 and 27 October 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school serves children aged 4 to 11 and has a current enrollment of 195 pupils. The inspection highlighted several strengths and areas for development within the school.
The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils feel safe and valued. Staff demonstrate a high level of care for students, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils express pride in their school. The values of respect and kindness are emphasized, and pupils actively engage in community events, such as the harvest festival, which fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation.
Behaviour and attitudes among pupils are rated as good. Recent efforts by staff to raise expectations regarding behaviour have been successful, leading to polite conduct among students. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues promptly. However, the quality of education is noted to require improvement, with inconsistencies in teaching expectations across different subjects. While pupils excel in physical education, their learning in other areas is not as robust, indicating a need for a more ambitious curriculum.
The leadership and management of the school also require improvement. Although senior leaders have made strides in developing a broad curriculum aligned with national standards, there are gaps in how teachers support pupil learning across all subjects. Some subjects, such as music, lack timely assessments of pupil understanding, leading to varied learning outcomes. Additionally, the governors have not effectively supported senior leaders, particularly in managing workload and ensuring sustainable leadership capacity.
The early years provision is rated as good, with children receiving a strong start in their educational journey. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, enabling pupils to read accurately and fluently. The curriculum for early years is ambitious and well-structured, promoting personal, social, and emotional development through engaging activities.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with staff making necessary adaptations to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-being evident throughout the school. Staff are vigilant in identifying and addressing concerns related to pupil welfare, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in improving the quality of education across all subjects. Leaders need to establish clearer expectations regarding the knowledge pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. There is a need for consistent and effective assessment practices to identify and address misconceptions in learning promptly.
In summary, while Moira Primary School has a supportive environment and strong community values, it must address the inconsistencies in educational quality and leadership support to enhance overall effectiveness. The commitment of staff and leaders to improve the school is evident, but focused efforts are required to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
