Foxton Primary School, located in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 28, 2023. The school is characterized by its inclusive environment and ambitious leadership, which has developed a global curriculum aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities.
Students at Foxton Primary are reported to be happy and feel safe within the school community. The relationships among staff, pupils, and families are warm and supportive. Pupils express positive attitudes towards their learning and engage actively in lessons. During lunchtime, they participate in mixed-age groups, fostering respectful interactions and allowing older students to model positive behavior for younger peers. The school has effectively addressed bullying, with pupils understanding what it is and feeling that it is infrequent. The culture within the school encourages the celebration of achievements, motivating students to strive for success.
The school excels in its reading curriculum, which is prioritized by the leadership. Daily phonics sessions in the early years equip pupils with the necessary skills to become fluent readers. Reading materials are carefully matched to the phonics being taught, facilitating effective practice in decoding words. Teachers read to pupils daily, introducing them to a diverse range of authors and engaging them in discussions to enhance their understanding and vocabulary.
Foxton Primary has implemented a well-structured wider curriculum that considers the local context. Teachers deliver lessons with enthusiasm, and there is a focus on ensuring that pupils retain knowledge over time. The early years environment is designed to support various learning styles, with a strong emphasis on language development and vocabulary acquisition. However, the outdoor learning environment is noted to be less developed than the indoor space, which may limit opportunities for child-led exploration and play.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is a priority, with leaders ensuring early identification and appropriate interventions. Teachers employ effective strategies to meet diverse needs, and monitoring of progress is thorough. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils is above the national average, impacting their academic progress. Leaders are encouraged to work closely with families and local authorities to improve attendance rates. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in the quality of the early years learning environment, particularly outdoors, which should be addressed to better support the curriculum. Lastly, pupils' understanding of fundamental British values needs to be strengthened, ensuring they can relate these concepts to their lives and community.
Overall, Foxton Primary School is well-led and managed, with staff expressing positive sentiments about the leadership's commitment to manageable workloads. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a culture of vigilance and support for pupils. The school continues to build on its successes while addressing the identified areas for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all its students.
