Millway Primary School, located in Duston, Northampton, has received a positive inspection report, indicating an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on February 6 and 7, 2024, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Millway Primary School are reported to be happy and safe, demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's values of listening, respecting, and persevering. These values are reinforced through whole-school assemblies, and pupils are encouraged to make positive behavior choices. During playtimes, students engage in cooperative play, reflecting a supportive school environment.
The school places a strong emphasis on diversity, ensuring that pupils are educated about various cultures and beliefs. This is integrated into the curriculum, with opportunities for students to visit places of worship, such as a Hindu temple, to enhance their understanding of different faiths. Pupils express positive sentiments about their learning experiences related to diversity.
Safety education is a priority, with pupils able to articulate important concepts related to online safety and identifying trusted adults they can approach for help. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, which pupils enjoy. Participation in events such as cross-country competitions and dance clubs fosters a sense of community and achievement among students.
The early years provision is described as vibrant and engaging, providing children with a solid foundation for their learning. Staff are nurturing and provide a variety of activities that cater to children's interests. For instance, children have engaged in creating Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year and learning basic programming skills with robots.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with children introduced to letter sounds early in their education. The school employs expert staff to enhance reading fluency, and additional support is provided to those who need it, ensuring that all pupils can progress effectively. The curriculum includes high-quality texts that inspire students and encourage creative writing.
While the school has made significant strides in developing an ambitious curriculum across subjects, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum does not clearly identify the key knowledge that pupils need to retain, which can hinder their ability to build on prior learning. Additionally, while teachers frequently check for understanding, there are instances where these checks lack precision, leading to missed misconceptions among pupils.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. High expectations for behavior are evident throughout the school, contributing to a positive learning environment.
The governing body, although relatively new, is actively working to enhance its oversight of the school's progress. Parents and carers generally recognize the school's efforts to improve and express a willingness to recommend it to others.
Overall, Millway Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and promoting the personal development of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, with clear strategies in place to address the identified areas for growth.
