Rushey Mead Primary School, located in Leicester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school is known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, where pupils feel happy and supported. Many students join the school at various ages and times throughout the year, often as their first educational experience in England. The diverse staff, many of whom speak multiple languages, provide essential support to help pupils develop basic language skills, which contributes to their overall academic success.
Pupils express satisfaction with their school experience, appreciating the assistance they receive from adults. They feel safe and understand the importance of reporting any concerns, including instances of bullying, which they report as rare. The school promotes a culture of respect and good behavior, with pupils adhering to established rules and demonstrating politeness and friendliness towards one another. The positive behavior observed contributes to a conducive learning environment.
The school offers a rich curriculum that supports personal development and includes lessons about significant figures from various cultures and those with disabilities. Language development is emphasized across all subjects, with a focus on vocabulary expansion and sentence modeling, which aids pupils in achieving fluency as they progress through their education. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in a sequential manner.
In subjects like physical education and mathematics, teachers utilize clear instructions and demonstrations to enhance understanding. However, there is a noted inconsistency in how teachers assess pupils' understanding, which can affect some students' retention of knowledge. The school recognizes the need for more consistent assessment practices to ensure all pupils can recall what they have learned effectively.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with additional support provided to pupils who are behind or new to English. The school has implemented a systematic phonics program and has invested in a variety of reading materials to facilitate practice at home. This approach has proven effective in developing confident and fluent readers.
The early years provision is engaging and well-designed to foster children's development across all learning areas. Trained staff guide children through routines, preparing them well for future educational stages. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, particularly in the Bonsai class, where communication skills are developed through specialized methods.
The school also emphasizes fundamental British values, such as democracy and respect, integrating these concepts into the curriculum. Pupils are taught the importance of character traits like curiosity and resilience, which are reinforced in every lesson.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in the area of assessment practices, to enhance pupils' learning experiences. Overall, Rushey Mead Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment, fostering both academic and personal growth among its pupils.
