Meadowside Primary School, located in Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northamptonshire, underwent an inspection on March 22 and 23, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Meadowside Primary School express a high level of satisfaction with their learning environment, describing it as friendly and supportive. They feel safe and are aware of the staff members they can approach with concerns. The school promotes well-being and has established high expectations for its students. The core values of respect, responsibility, reflection, and resilience are integral to the school's culture, fostering pride among pupils and encouraging positive attitudes towards their work and peers.
Behavior within the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils are confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by staff. There is a strong understanding of equality and diversity among the students, who are adept at listening to differing viewpoints. Parents and carers have expressed overwhelming positivity about the school, noting significant improvements in their children's learning and the accessibility of teachers.
The school has made strides in curriculum development, establishing an ambitious and diverse curriculum that considers the backgrounds of its pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clearly identifying the key knowledge that pupils need to learn in certain subjects. This lack of precision can hinder pupils' ability to build their understanding over time.
Reading is a priority at Meadowside, with staff well-trained to ensure that pupils learn to read systematically from the outset. The teaching of reading is consistent across classes, and phonics sessions are structured effectively. Pupils are supported promptly if they fall behind. Mathematics is another strong area, with a well-planned curriculum that allows pupils to progressively build their understanding and vocabulary.
In the early years, relationships between children and adults are positive, and the learning environment is engaging. There is a strong emphasis on communication and language development, although some children occasionally struggle to retain knowledge across the curriculum.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support and resources. Leaders maintain good communication with parents and external agencies to facilitate this support.
Pupils take pride in their roles within the school, such as being school councillors, and they understand the importance of healthy living and fitness. While the curriculum prepares them for life in modern Britain, there is a need for deeper understanding of British values and different faiths among some pupils.
Governors and local authority representatives are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Leaders engage with staff, providing regular training and considering their well-being and workload. Staff express positive sentiments towards the leadership and the support received from the local authority.
The safeguarding arrangements at Meadowside Primary School are effective, with leaders knowing their pupils and families well. They provide strong support to vulnerable pupils, and staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding concerns. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, including online safety, ensuring they know how to seek help when needed.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the planning and sequencing of key knowledge in some subjects and strengthen pupils' understanding of British values and different faiths. Leaders are already taking steps to address these areas, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
