Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Earl Spencer Primary School on 6 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, now co-headed by Miss Nicky Sutton and Miss Liz Brear since September 2018, has effectively restructured the leadership roles and responsibilities, ensuring a clear evaluation of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The pupil premium strategy is well-detailed, and the evaluation of previous spending is accurate.
A significant number of pupils at the school do not speak English as their first language, with over 25 languages represented in the community. The school employs various strategies to facilitate effective communication with parents and pupils, including the use of multilingual staff and a ‘young translators’ group to assist new pupils. This approach has proven successful in helping pupils quickly acquire English language skills, enabling them to participate fully in lessons and activities.
During the inspection, classrooms were visited, revealing a consistent teaching approach across the school. Displays highlighted the school’s values and showcased pupils’ work, reflecting high standards. Newsletters are regularly published online, keeping parents informed. The school has implemented additional activities, such as gymnastics and chess, to enrich the pupils' experience. A newly established sports council allows for quick responses to pupils’ interests.
The school council, comprising two representatives from each class, plays a vital role in school life, with pupils expressing pride in their contributions. Feedback from pupils indicates a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment in their education. The inspection noted that pupils were polite and considerate, demonstrating positive behavior during lunchtime and play.
Governors are well-informed about the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, actively engaging in a structured program of visits linked to the school’s development plan. The leadership has ensured that all pupils are challenged academically, with targeted support for the most able pupils. Improvements in spelling and handwriting have been noted since the last inspection, and the standard of handwriting across the school is high.
Safeguarding practices are effective, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Staff are vigilant and responsive to safeguarding concerns, collaborating with external agencies to ensure the well-being of children. Pupils feel safe and supported, with parents expressing confidence in the school’s ability to maintain a safe environment.
The curriculum in the Reception Year is designed to engage children, particularly boys with lower attainment. Observations indicated that children were actively engaged in their learning, with effective adult support. However, there remains a gap in attainment between boys and girls, particularly in communication and language skills. The school is working to address these disparities.
Pupils in key stage two demonstrate strong writing skills across subjects, with effective peer discussions enhancing their learning. The leadership has implemented systems to monitor progress closely, identifying specific challenges faced by pupils who speak English as an additional language. While improvements in mathematics teaching are underway, there are still concerns regarding pupils’ fluency in times tables and systematic problem-solving approaches.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that boys’ attainment in the early years aligns with national standards and enhancing pupils’ mathematical fluency through more effective planning and teaching strategies. The inspection findings highlight the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
