Newlands Community Primary School in Earl Shilton, Leicester, was inspected on 27 and 28 June 2023, and the overall effectiveness was rated as requiring improvement. The school has ambitious goals for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students. However, leaders acknowledge that further work is necessary to ensure all pupils achieve their potential. The school promotes five core values: respect, responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and honesty, which are integral to the new behavior approach. Feedback from pupils and parents indicates that behavior has improved, and pupils take pride in their roles and responsibilities within the school community.
The school has implemented a systematic approach to teaching phonics, enabling pupils to start reading as soon as they enter Reception. Teachers are proactive in identifying pupils who may be falling behind and provide necessary support. Reading is emphasized throughout the school, with story time being a highlight for pupils. However, some students expressed a desire for a wider variety of books that align with their interests and more frequent access to the library.
While leaders have introduced a new curriculum, there are concerns regarding the clarity and structure of key knowledge and content in certain subjects, including the early years foundation stage. In subjects like mathematics and science, where leaders have identified essential knowledge, teachers are better equipped to assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions. However, in some areas, assessment practices do not consistently identify gaps in learning.
Children in the early years are reported to be happy and engaged in well-planned activities that encourage exploration and collaboration. Despite this, leaders recognize the need for more structure in some learning areas. The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs, with clear targets set for their achievement. However, not all teachers consistently ensure that these pupils access the curriculum effectively.
Recent changes to the behavior policy have positively impacted pupil behavior, with a new token system being well-received. Pupils report that bullying is not tolerated, and they feel safe at school. They also demonstrate a good understanding of equality and diversity, although there is less clarity regarding British values.
The school has experienced significant changes in senior leadership, with the acting headteacher currently leading following the departure of two previous headteachers. Support from a multi-academy trust has been beneficial during this transition. Leaders have made numerous changes in recent months but have not yet had the opportunity to evaluate their impact on educational quality. Governors have been supportive, and staff well-being has been prioritized throughout these changes.
The safeguarding arrangements at Newlands Community Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are trained to identify potential concerns, and there are effective systems for reporting and addressing issues. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach if they encounter problems.
To improve, leaders need to enhance their monitoring and evaluation processes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum's strengths and weaknesses. There is a need for clearer curriculum planning across all subjects to ensure that pupils know what they should learn and when. Additionally, assessment practices should be refined to better identify gaps in learning, particularly for pupils with special educational needs. Overall, while the school has made progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality education.
