Martinshaw Primary School, located in Groby, Leicester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2024. The school fosters a strong sense of pride among its pupils, who actively embrace the core values of respect, kindness, resilience, aspiration, uniqueness, and confidence. These values are integrated into both academic and social activities, motivating students to earn stamps on their values chart and strive for the prestigious ‘values ambassador’ lanyard.
The school environment is characterized by warmth and care, with staff maintaining high expectations for all pupils. Teachers are well-acquainted with each child's strengths and challenges, providing necessary support in both academic and personal contexts. The welcoming atmosphere is evident from the start of the school day, where staff greet students enthusiastically. Pre-school children transition smoothly from their parents, quickly engaging in learning activities. Overall, pupils express enjoyment in their educational experiences, particularly appreciating the availability of personal tablet computers that enhance their learning.
Outdoor spaces at Martinshaw Primary School are particularly noteworthy, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for activities such as picnicking in the school woods and whittling sticks for toasting marshmallows. The school is described as a happy place where children thrive.
The curriculum at Martinshaw is broad and balanced, designed to be ambitious for all students. Key knowledge is clearly outlined from pre-school through Year 6, allowing pupils to build their understanding progressively. In subjects like computing, students learn coding principles early on, with increasing complexity as they advance through the years. The quality of work produced by pupils is commendable, exemplified by Year 4 students using photo editing applications creatively.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The curriculum for foundation subjects has not been fully reviewed, and leaders have yet to implement necessary adaptations to maximize knowledge acquisition across all subjects. Regular assessments by staff ensure that pupils understand their learning, with targeted support provided for those who need it, particularly in mathematics.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with pre-school children learning sounds weekly and Reception Year pupils mastering phonics. Those requiring additional help receive focused support, leading to increased confidence in reading. Pupils express a genuine love for reading, highlighting the school's effective approach.
Behaviour expectations are high, and while most pupils engage positively, a small number do not consistently demonstrate the kindness and respect expected. This can create discomfort among peers, indicating a need for the school to address these issues more effectively.
Extracurricular activities enrich the curriculum, with various clubs and trips enhancing the educational experience. The school emphasizes online safety and encourages pupils to think critically about their social media interactions.
Governance at Martinshaw is strong, with governors providing both support and challenge to school leaders. Staff report that leaders are considerate of their well-being, and the introduction of new technology has alleviated some workload pressures.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in reviewing its curriculum to ensure that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge for their future education. The school aims to support and challenge those who do not meet its high expectations, fostering a culture of respect and kindness throughout the school community.
