Glade Hill Primary and Nursery School in Nottingham continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where strong relationships are fostered among pupils and staff. Students express that their teachers are dedicated and that they feel respected and treated equally, regardless of their backgrounds. The school promotes a culture of inclusivity, and pupils appreciate the support they receive from adults, especially during challenging times. The school's motto, SPARKLE, is well understood by the students, who apply its principles in their interactions, ensuring that no one is left out during play and recognizing the qualities of good friendship.
Parents and carers describe the school as a family and commend its inclusive nature. However, some parents have raised concerns regarding the narrowness of the school's wider curriculum offer. Pupils enjoy engaging in reading challenges, which expose them to a diverse range of literature, although there are indications that their knowledge in other curriculum areas may not be as well developed.
The leadership team has worked to create a broad and balanced curriculum, continuously refining it to ensure that key knowledge is clearly outlined. In subjects like mathematics, specific areas such as geometry are taught consistently throughout the year to reinforce learning. While some curriculum leaders effectively support teachers in delivering subjects, this support is not uniform across all areas, leading to instances where pupils may recall disconnected facts or confuse knowledge between subjects.
The school is committed to fostering successful readers, providing ample opportunities for reading across the curriculum. The early reading program is new, and staff receive ongoing training to implement it effectively. Most reading materials are well matched to pupils' reading levels, and additional support is provided for those who struggle or do not read frequently.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in all aspects of school life, with tailored support to help them learn alongside their peers. The early years environment is bright and welcoming, promoting strong relationships, although there are opportunities for improvement in helping children with developmental gaps catch up more quickly.
Pupils are educated about living in a democratic society and learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints. They understand the importance of healthy relationships and are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online safety. While the school offers some sports competitions, the broader personal development program could be enhanced to better nurture pupils' talents and interests.
Governors are well-informed about the school and fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Staff express positive sentiments regarding the support they receive from leaders, particularly concerning their well-being and workload management.
The safeguarding arrangements at Glade Hill are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and safety. Staff are vigilant and receive regular training to ensure they can identify and report any concerns promptly.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that teachers consistently check what pupils know and can do, allowing for more reliable planning of next steps in learning. Additionally, leaders should provide more opportunities for personal development to enrich pupils' experiences beyond the academic curriculum. Overall, Glade Hill Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
