Priestsic Primary and Nursery School in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on July 19 and 20, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and valued. They demonstrate pride in their school and adhere to its core values, which include respect, independence, resilience, kindness, self-belief, and responsibility. The staff is dedicated to the well-being of every pupil, providing strong support for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The pastoral care system is robust, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
Pupils exhibit good behaviour in lessons, allowing for a focused learning environment. While some instances of bullying are reported, teachers are proactive in addressing these issues. However, a minority of pupils expressed a desire for a more consistent approach to behaviour management, particularly during social times. Most pupils feel safe at school, which is a testament to the effective safeguarding measures in place.
The curriculum at Priestsic is well-structured and designed to meet the needs of its pupils. It emphasizes four key elements: diversity, aspiration, vocabulary, and health and well-being. Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum from the Nursery Year through to Year 6, ensuring that essential knowledge is prioritized across all subjects. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize strategies such as 'flashbacks' to reinforce learning.
Despite the overall effectiveness of the curriculum, there are areas for improvement. Leaders' checks on pupil learning are more established in some subjects than in others, leading to gaps in understanding how well pupils are grasping the material. This inconsistency means that leaders may not always have a clear picture of pupil progress across the curriculum.
Reading is a particular strength of the school, with a comprehensive plan in place to ensure that all pupils develop strong reading skills. The early years provision offers numerous opportunities for language development, and staff are well-trained in teaching reading. Pupils display positive attitudes towards reading, and the selection of books promotes understanding of diversity.
The leadership and management of provisions for pupils with special educational needs are commendable. Staff set high expectations and create individualized plans that break down targets into manageable steps. However, some pupils exhibit challenging behaviours during social interactions, prompting leaders to review their behaviour policy to ensure effective management of such incidents.
The school also emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health, teaching pupils about responsible citizenship and respect for others. While pupils learn about different cultures and faiths, their knowledge in this area could be expanded. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and trips, enriching the pupils' educational experience.
Attendance remains a concern, with a significant number of pupils regularly absent. Leaders are actively working to address this issue, recognizing the impact of attendance on learning. The well-being of staff is also a priority, with leaders taking steps to reduce workload pressures.
Overall, Priestsic Primary and Nursery School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential.
