Middleton Primary and Nursery School, located in Nottingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 21 and 22, 2023. The school embodies its core values of honesty, kindness, respect, and a commitment to community and global awareness. These values are well understood by the pupils, who demonstrate a clear grasp of their rights and responsibilities. Parents express satisfaction with the school's holistic approach to child development, particularly its emphasis on civic duties and social responsibilities.
Pupils report feeling safe and happy at school, with a strong support system in place for addressing any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and the presence of pupil defenders and wellbeing ambassadors contributes to a supportive environment. The behavior of pupils is commendable, characterized by politeness and consideration for one another. Disruptions during lessons are infrequent, and students show respect for their learning and for the adults in the school.
The school maintains high expectations for its pupils, who engage enthusiastically with their learning. They particularly enjoy the challenging activities designed to stretch their abilities. The additional support provided by well-trained staff helps pupils who may need to catch up, ensuring that they achieve well by the end of key stage two and are prepared for their next educational steps.
The curriculum at Middleton is ambitious and thoughtfully designed, focusing on relevant and engaging content. Leaders have identified essential knowledge across most subjects, although there are areas where prior learning is not built upon as effectively. Teachers skillfully use questioning techniques to deepen pupils' understanding and promote their discussion skills. However, there are instances where the precise knowledge that pupils should retain is not clearly identified, which can affect the security of their learning.
The phonics curriculum is well-structured, with effective training provided to staff, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate reading materials that align with their learning. Teachers are quick to identify pupils who may be falling behind and provide tailored support to help them improve. Many pupils develop strong reading skills with confidence and accuracy.
The school excels in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with well-trained coordinators providing focused assistance. The Rainbow room offers specialized learning opportunities, and pupils with SEND achieve commendably due to the expert care they receive.
In the early years, the provision is highly effective, with a variety of well-planned activities that promote learning through play. The adult play rangers are knowledgeable about the children's needs and ensure that those at risk of falling behind receive individualized support. Children demonstrate sustained concentration and cooperation during their play, preparing them well for future learning.
Middleton Primary also emphasizes the broader development of its pupils, offering numerous after-school clubs and promoting awareness of equality and diversity through various initiatives. The governors have a solid understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, actively engaging with leaders to ensure ongoing development.
Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the supportive leadership that considers their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who are vigilant about potential concerns and work collaboratively with external agencies.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have clearly identified key knowledge and that retrieval strategies are effectively implemented to enhance long-term retention of learning. Overall, Middleton Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a positive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
