Great Glen St Cuthbert’s Church of England Primary School, located in Leicester, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, while early years provision has been deemed outstanding.
The school’s motto, “Doing all the good we can through faith, love and excellence,” is reflected in the warm and welcoming community that staff and parents describe. Pupils are encouraged to embody values such as responsibility, resilience, and kindness, which are recognized through a system of dojo points and certificates awarded in assemblies. Students express enjoyment in their learning experiences, with one pupil noting that learning is fun and teachers support them in embodying these values.
Safety and emotional well-being are prioritized at the school. Pupils feel secure and have access to worry boxes in classrooms, allowing them to express concerns. The well-being club, initiated by the school council, is well-attended and appreciated by students. The inclusive environment fosters kindness and respect among pupils, who are aware of the school rules and the consequences of not adhering to them. Instances of bullying are reported as rare, and pupils trust that any issues will be addressed seriously by staff.
The curriculum is designed to provide clear knowledge and skills progression across subjects. Teachers deliver engaging lessons, and pupils enjoy the learning process. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be improved, particularly in clarifying the essential content that pupils are expected to know and remember. In some subjects, the curriculum does not adequately account for prior learning from the early years, which can hinder the maximization of foundational skills.
The phonics program is consistently implemented across the school, with children starting to learn letter sounds as soon as they begin. Teachers utilize similar routines to support reading development, ensuring that books are matched to the sounds being taught. This approach helps identify and support pupils who may be falling behind.
In the early years, the curriculum is meticulously planned, allowing children to settle into school and gain essential knowledge quickly. Teachers adapt lessons to build on children’s interests and prior knowledge, fostering effective communication and vocabulary development.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, with leaders quickly identifying additional needs and ensuring effective assistance. Personal development is a priority, with weekly assemblies promoting British values and encouraging leadership roles among pupils. The introduction of various clubs in response to student feedback has enriched the extracurricular offerings.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students settling quickly into lessons and playing collaboratively. The school maintains strong community links, contributing to a cohesive ethos. Leaders are proactive in addressing attendance concerns and ensuring a supportive environment for both staff and students.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular training for staff and prompt reporting of concerns. The curriculum also educates pupils on safety in various situations, including online safety, ensuring they know whom to approach with concerns.
To further improve, the school needs to clarify the most important content across all subjects and ensure that the curriculum allows for revisiting and embedding learning. Additionally, leaders should enhance the curriculum to build on the strong foundations established in the early years. Overall, Great Glen St Cuthbert’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
