All Saints Church of England Primary School in Coalville, Leicestershire, has recently undergone an inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders have high aspirations for all students, encouraging them to shine in their academic and personal endeavors. The relationships among pupils and staff are warm and supportive, contributing to a positive atmosphere in both classrooms and playgrounds. Pupils engage joyfully with one another, demonstrating respect and collaboration during lessons. Concerns about bullying are minimal, and when incidents do occur, they are addressed promptly by school leaders, ensuring that pastoral care remains a priority.
The curriculum is enriched with various experiences, including residential trips, visits to the local church, and outdoor learning in woodland areas. Pupils take pride in representing their school in sports competitions and festivals. The school promotes a culture of recognition, with pupils nominating peers for the ‘heart that shines’ award and participating in the ‘Shine Squad’ to support collective worship. The school council plays an active role in maintaining a tidy environment through initiatives like the ‘golden broom’ awards, and a diverse range of clubs, such as table tennis, karate, and art, are available for pupils.
Leaders have made commendable efforts to renew the curriculum, ensuring it meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured, identifying key knowledge that pupils must acquire. However, in a few subjects, there is a need for clearer definitions of essential knowledge for early years pupils to ensure a seamless transition to Year 1. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and are supported by enthusiastic subject leaders. Regular checks on pupils’ understanding during lessons allow teachers to identify areas where pupils may need additional support. Nonetheless, there are instances where assessment practices in some foundation subjects could be improved to better inform teaching.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the early years. Pupils are mastering phonics through high-quality teaching, and those who struggle with reading receive effective one-to-one support. The school library is well-stocked with diverse and interesting books, fostering a love of reading among pupils. Initiatives like the ‘golden reading box’ reward pupils for their reading efforts, further encouraging engagement with literature.
Pupils with special educational needs thrive at All Saints, as leaders have established clear systems to identify and support these pupils, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The school promotes high expectations for behaviour, resulting in calm and focused classrooms where pupils are engaged in their learning. During social times, pupils enjoy a variety of activities, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils expressing pride in their roles and responsibilities within the school. They demonstrate respect for diversity and inclusivity, welcoming new pupils and discussing different families and faiths with understanding. The school’s values prepare pupils well for their future educational journeys.
Staff at All Saints are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences at the school, appreciating the support from leaders and the collaborative environment. Governors contribute valuable expertise, providing effective challenge and support to school leaders, which has led to significant improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to identify and address concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about safety in various contexts, including the use of technology and healthy relationships. Overall, All Saints Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational community that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in all areas.
