Blaby Thistly Meadow Primary School, located in Leicester, has undergone an ungraded inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted now. The next inspection will be a graded one. Pupils express pride in attending the school, highlighting the care and support provided for their emotional health and wellbeing. They feel safe and calm, with access to experts when anxious. Bullying is reported as rare, and pupils trust their teachers to address any issues effectively. Responsibilities among pupils foster a sense of community, with initiatives like 'playground pals' ensuring inclusivity during playtime.
Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a positive atmosphere throughout the school. Early years routines are well understood, contributing to a pleasant environment. Positive relationships between pupils and teachers are evident. School leaders are committed to enhancing the curriculum, which is currently in the early stages of improvement. However, some subjects lack adequate planning, leading to gaps in knowledge and skills acquisition for certain pupils.
Leaders have reviewed the curriculum to ensure gradual knowledge and vocabulary building. While some subject planning has improved, there are still areas where the most important knowledge is not clearly identified, hindering consistent knowledge development across the curriculum. Insufficient checks exist to ensure the planned curriculum is delivered effectively, leading to potential gaps in understanding.
The special educational needs coordinator has made strides in improving provisions for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents appreciate the support their children receive, although the curriculum is not always adapted sufficiently to ensure these pupils achieve their potential. Reading is prioritized, with early reading instruction well-planned and delivered by highly trained teachers. Pupils are excited about learning to read and have ample opportunities to engage with various genres and authors.
Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and employ diverse assessment methods to gauge pupil understanding, though effectiveness varies across subjects. Pupils benefit from a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum, learning about online safety, respect, and tolerance. The school fosters a welcoming environment, emphasizing inclusivity.
Extracurricular activities provide pupils with opportunities to explore new talents, engage in clubs, and participate in residential trips. Creative experiences, such as playing taiko drums and steel pans, contribute to pupils' happiness and determination. The school is experiencing growth, and teachers value collaborative efforts with a local primary school, appreciating professional development opportunities and support for their workload.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils feeling safe and having access to various means of expressing concerns. Thorough safeguarding records ensure vulnerable pupils receive necessary support, and leaders actively seek external help when needed. Staff are well-trained and confident in reporting concerns.
To improve, leaders must identify key knowledge in all subjects and ensure effective sequencing of learning. The curriculum needs to be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve ambitious targets. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the inspector considering its impact on the school. Overall, while the school demonstrates strengths in various areas, there are clear pathways for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
