Ellistown Community Primary School, located in Coalville, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023. The pupils express pride in their school, highlighting the enjoyment they find in their lessons and the supportive environment fostered by both staff and parents. Many parents have voiced their satisfaction, with one describing the school as a home for their family. The school’s rules are well understood, and students demonstrate attentiveness in class, with younger children quickly adapting to established routines. The pupils show empathy towards classmates who may need additional support in making positive behavioral choices, and they take pride in collaborative efforts, such as earning treats during special events.
The school has implemented a new phonics curriculum aimed at ensuring every child becomes a fluent reader. Staff training has been comprehensive, and a consistent approach to teaching phonics has been established. Children in the Reception Year are making strong progress in recognizing and blending sounds, which they apply in their writing. Teachers are attentive to the correct formation of letters and provide necessary support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. While most reading materials align with the sounds pupils have learned, there are occasional mismatches that need addressing. Daily reading sessions allow pupils to encounter new vocabulary, enhancing their comprehension and engagement with texts.
Mathematics instruction is well-supported by the training teachers have received, and the curriculum is organized to deepen pupils' knowledge through practice. Younger pupils apply their understanding of money in practical counting exercises, while older pupils utilize their knowledge of division in real-world contexts. Teachers regularly assess pupils' retention of knowledge and provide necessary support to reinforce learning. The broad curriculum is well-received, with pupils engaging in creative projects that foster their understanding of various subjects. However, there are areas where the sequencing of knowledge could be improved, particularly in design and technology, where leaders need to clarify expectations for more challenging tasks.
Leaders are committed to sparking interest in pupils through thoughtfully planned experiences, such as residential visits that introduce new artistic concepts. Inclusivity is a core value of the school, with pupils celebrating differences and ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Staff members report feeling well-supported by school leaders, who are mindful of their workload and well-being. This supportive environment encourages collaboration among staff to enhance the educational experience for pupils and their families.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with leaders demonstrating vigilance and a proactive approach to ensuring pupil safety. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, and pupils are educated about personal safety and the importance of protecting their information. Leaders actively seek feedback from pupils regarding their sense of safety and take action based on their input.
To further improve, the school needs to refine its curriculum in certain areas to ensure that pupils build on prior knowledge effectively. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that all reading materials are appropriately matched to pupils' phonetic knowledge to support their development as confident readers. Overall, Ellistown Community Primary School continues to provide a positive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
