The Gainsborough Charles Baines Community Primary School in Lincolnshire was inspected on 30-31 October 2019 and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The school has maintained this level of effectiveness since the previous inspection in April 2018.
Pupils at the school express enjoyment in their learning environment, feeling safe and supported. They describe the school as a happy and friendly place where bullying is not tolerated. Staff actively teach pupils about safety, both in and out of school. The curriculum is designed to engage students, with a variety of experiences that enhance their learning. For instance, a visit from an author inspired pupils to read more and consider writing themselves. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in all activities.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate good listening skills, behavior, and a strong work ethic. Attendance has improved significantly over the past year, and pupils take pride in their work, striving for neatness to earn a pen license awarded by the headteacher during assemblies. Leaders at the school are ambitious for their pupils and have implemented clear plans to enhance learning outcomes. They have made improvements in the teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics, ensuring that all staff receive regular training to build on prior learning.
The school prioritizes early reading, with teachers assessing pupils' phonics knowledge and providing books that match their learning levels. This focus on reading is evident throughout the curriculum. Additionally, the school supports pupils with SEND by adapting lessons to ensure they can participate alongside their peers. Teachers maintain high expectations for all students.
While the curriculum is well-organized in some subjects, there are areas where it lacks coherence and sequencing. Leaders are aware of this and are actively working to improve it. In subjects like physical education, pupils can articulate how they are building on previous skills, while in others, the learning progression is still developing. Pupils enjoy a range of extracurricular activities, including music and dance, and they learn about democracy through real-world experiences.
Leaders have effectively communicated the importance of regular school attendance to parents, resulting in improved attendance rates. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating perseverance and pride in their achievements. They understand the significance of fairness and acceptance of differences among their peers.
In the early years, children settle well and engage in activities that promote essential skills. Staff provide exciting and engaging learning experiences, ensuring children learn foundational skills such as pencil grip and phonics. However, there is room for improvement in helping children deepen their thinking and practice new skills during self-chosen activities.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Leaders prioritize the safety of pupils and ensure that appropriate support is provided to families. Overall, the Gainsborough Charles Baines Community Primary School is a supportive and effective learning environment, with clear plans for continued improvement in curriculum coherence and early years practices.
