Pitsford Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school has maintained this rating since its previous inspection in November 2021. The overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been assessed as good.
Pupils at Pitsford Primary School express a strong sense of pride in their school, appreciating its family-like atmosphere. They feel safe and happy, embodying the school’s values of collaboration, enjoyment, responsibility, respect, innovation, and challenge. The high expectations set by teachers are met with diligence by the pupils, who take pride in their work and achievements, serving as excellent ambassadors for the school. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, respectful, and welcoming. Older pupils take on a caring role during break times, looking after younger students. Reports of bullying are minimal, and pupils feel confident that staff would address any issues should they arise.
Parents and carers generally hold positive views about the school, with many highlighting the balance between academic and non-academic goals and the supportive environment provided by the staff. The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in a well-sequenced manner. For instance, in mathematics, pupils build their understanding of multiplication over time, revisiting prior learning to apply their knowledge in various contexts. The curriculum is well-structured across all subjects, including history and music, where pupils develop a solid understanding of chronology and key musical concepts.
Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and effectively use questioning to assess pupils’ learning. While assessment practices in English and mathematics are strong, there is a need for improvement in other subjects to ensure that teachers can fully gauge what pupils have learned and what they need to focus on next. The school has fostered a strong reading culture, implementing a phonics scheme that supports younger pupils in developing their reading skills. Staff are well-trained in using phonics resources, and older pupils are encouraged to deepen their comprehension and vocabulary.
Pitsford Primary School is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance to access the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, and many parents recognize the positive impact of the provision for students with SEND.
The school prioritizes personal development, with teachers fostering character, confidence, and resilience among pupils. A variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and creative pursuits, enrich the pupils' experiences. The curriculum also includes education on equality, diversity, and health, helping pupils develop a mature understanding of these important topics.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with high expectations and well-established routines that promote independent and collaborative play. The ambitious curriculum caters to their needs, allowing them to build their learning progressively.
Governors are actively involved in the school, understanding its strengths and areas for improvement while supporting and challenging leaders appropriately. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the school environment, valuing the teamwork and support provided by leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements at Pitsford Primary School are effective, with staff trained to identify and address any welfare concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about potential risks, including those associated with social media and online activities, contributing to a strong culture of safety within the school.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school should develop more robust assessment approaches in foundation subjects to ensure that teachers can accurately identify pupils' knowledge and understanding.
