Melbury Primary School, located in Bilborough, Nottingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school is well-regarded by parents and carers, with many expressing their appreciation for the nurturing environment that prioritizes love and care for the children. Parents feel welcomed and involved, particularly enjoying events like sports day, which fosters a strong sense of community. The school emphasizes high expectations for pupil behavior, promoting values of friendship, respect, and safety. Pupils are happy and feel secure, knowing that staff are available to support them with any concerns.
The school demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ambition for all students, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities learn effectively alongside their peers. Personal development is a key focus, with the school instilling confidence and self-belief in pupils through various roles and responsibilities, such as school councillors and librarians. This approach prepares students well for the next stages of their education.
The curriculum at Melbury Primary is aligned with the National Curriculum and is designed to build knowledge progressively. The school employs a 'learning links' strategy to connect key concepts across subjects, enhancing the learning experience. For instance, when studying Ancient Egypt in history, pupils also explore the geographical significance of the River Nile. However, some foundation subjects lack clarity in identifying essential knowledge for long-term learning, and the school is actively working to strengthen leadership in this area.
Teaching in English and mathematics is particularly effective, with clear modeling of learning steps that help pupils grasp complex concepts. In mathematics, for example, explanations regarding position and unit conversion are well-structured, aiding pupils' understanding and vocabulary development. Regular activities to revisit prior learning ensure retention of knowledge. Nonetheless, there are instances in other subjects where learning activities do not fully support intended outcomes, leading to variability in resource effectiveness and the identification of misconceptions.
The school is enhancing its assessment strategies to better track long-term learning and inform curriculum planning. While pupils enjoy reading and benefit from a consistent phonics program, the analysis of assessment data is not always utilized effectively to guide future learning steps. The early years curriculum lays a strong foundation for language and listening skills, ensuring that pupils, including those new to English, develop confidence in reading.
Melbury Primary prioritizes enrichment opportunities, providing pupils with meaningful experiences through visits, residential trips, and guest speakers. These activities broaden pupils' horizons and enhance their learning. The school maintains a calm and focused classroom environment, promoting concentration and effective learning. Attendance is managed diligently to ensure high levels of pupil participation.
Staff at the school receive robust support from leaders, benefiting from professional development and training. Governors are actively involved and knowledgeable about the school, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being, fostering a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Melbury Primary are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is currently refining its assessment approach to ensure that analysis of summative data informs curriculum planning effectively. Additionally, there is a need for clearer identification of key knowledge in foundation subjects to enhance pupils' learning experiences. Overall, Melbury Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
