Following a short inspection of Duston Eldean Primary School on 6 June 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to be good. The leadership team has effectively maintained the quality of education since the last inspection. Under the guidance of the headteacher and the leadership team, the school has fostered an inclusive learning environment that is well-supported by parents and carers. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the diverse opportunities available to them, feeling they contribute positively to the school community.
The leadership has focused on refining teaching and learning quality, ensuring that high standards are shared among staff. Teachers are aligned with the leadership's vision for providing excellent education, and those in the early stages of their careers receive appropriate training, contributing to high staff morale. Parents commend the pastoral support provided, which significantly benefits their children. Leaders have implemented initiatives such as sensory circuits to enhance pupils' readiness for learning.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as mathematics ambassadors and members of the eco club, which enriches the school community. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with pupils engaging in activities like forest schools that promote independence and self-confidence. While pupils demonstrate strong writing skills in various contexts, there is a noted inconsistency in the quality of work in their learning project books.
Previous inspection recommendations regarding the tracking of additional funding, such as the sports premium, have been addressed. Leaders have expanded sports opportunities, resulting in increased participation in sporting events. Additionally, efforts to support pupils who struggle academically have shown progress, particularly among those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there remains a need for consistent progress across all year groups.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and feeling confident in reporting concerns. The school promotes a culture of respect and tolerance, with pupils learning how to handle bullying effectively. The inspection found that outcomes for pupils have improved, with higher proportions achieving expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics compared to national averages.
Children in the Reception Year receive a strong foundation in phonics, which they build upon in subsequent years. The school promotes a culture of reading, providing access to high-quality texts that enhance vocabulary and comprehension. While older pupils demonstrate sophisticated writing skills, there are areas for improvement in punctuation and addressing misconceptions in written work.
Disadvantaged pupils have shown signs of improved progress, although leaders need to refine their evaluation of the effectiveness of support provided. Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles and the importance of balanced diets, and older pupils are well-prepared for the transition to secondary school, demonstrating maturity in discussions about internet safety and personal values.
Next steps for the school include refining the evaluation of pupil premium use to ensure all disadvantaged pupils make optimal progress and ensuring that all teachers consistently address misconceptions in writing to enhance the overall quality of pupils' work. The inspection highlighted the school's strengths while identifying areas for continued development to support all pupils effectively.
