Morton Trentside Primary School, located in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school embodies its values of care, inspire, thrive, and achieve, creating a nurturing environment where both staff and pupils feel safe and valued. The school community is characterized by welcoming, polite, and respectful pupils who consistently meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Instances of unacceptable behavior are rare, and when conflicts arise, staff are attentive and supportive in resolving issues.
Pupils at Morton Trentside Primary School benefit from a wide range of enriching opportunities that enhance their educational experience. They take their leadership roles seriously, participating in initiatives such as the sports crew and mini police, which positively impact the school community. The presence of Barney, the school dog, adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Educational trips and visitors inspire pupils, with memorable experiences such as learning about Hinduism and eagerly awaiting the hatching of chicks in early years classes. The school promotes creativity through expressive singing and rhythm activities, such as the Samba percussion ensemble.
Parents and carers generally express positive sentiments about the school, highlighting the dedication of the staff and the significant progress their children make. The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that builds on pupils' learning from early years through to Year 6. Leaders have identified key learning objectives across subjects, ensuring that pupils revisit and consolidate their knowledge, particularly in mathematics and science. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be more demanding, as some subjects have not fully defined the essential knowledge pupils should acquire.
Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil effort and engagement, fostering a diligent and attentive learning environment. They effectively use questioning techniques to assess understanding and encourage deeper thinking. The strong subject knowledge of teachers, combined with well-utilized resources, supports pupils' learning. Early years children benefit from structured routines that set a positive foundation for their education.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance and access to the same curriculum as their peers. While many parents appreciate the support provided, a minority may not fully recognize the effectiveness of the provision.
Reading is a priority at Morton Trentside Primary School, with a strong culture that encourages a love for literature. Phonics instruction is delivered effectively, enabling pupils to become confident readers from an early age. The school also emphasizes personal development through a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, teaching pupils about diversity, equality, and the importance of mental and emotional health.
Governance at the school is robust, with governors actively supporting and challenging school leaders while being mindful of staff well-being. Staff members report feeling valued and proud to be part of the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and support for pupil welfare. Staff are well-trained and responsive to concerns, collaborating with external agencies when necessary. Pupils are educated about potential risks and how to stay safe, particularly regarding social media.
To improve, the school must ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are appropriately challenging, enabling pupils to achieve their full potential. This includes clearly identifying the key knowledge that pupils should learn across all subjects. Overall, Morton Trentside Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
