John Blow Primary School, located on Snowdon Road in Collingham, Newark, Nottinghamshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 29th and 30th of March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision have all been assessed as good, maintaining the same grade as the previous inspection in October 2017.
Pupils at John Blow Primary School exhibit positive attitudes and demonstrate happiness in their school environment. The leadership team has established high expectations for behaviour, which are supported by clearly defined school values aligned with the motto of striving to be the best one can be. Pupils are aware of these values and consistently demonstrate them in their interactions and conduct throughout the school. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by their teachers. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a safe and supportive atmosphere.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for cooking, dancing, Lego, and crafts, which are well-received by both pupils and parents. Additionally, pupils have the opportunity to learn various musical instruments and participate in collaborative performances with other schools. The curriculum is designed to foster resilience, collaboration, curiosity, empathy, purpose, and preparedness, ensuring that pupils achieve well across subjects.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Although leaders have carefully planned the curriculum in most subjects, some areas lack sufficient detail, and the implementation of the curriculum is not consistent across all subjects. Teachers sometimes do not present new knowledge in the intended order, which can hinder pupils' ability to make connections between their current learning and prior knowledge. Leaders are aware of these challenges and have plans to enhance the curriculum further.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and create engaging lessons that facilitate learning. They employ effective questioning techniques to help pupils recall important information and encourage discussions about their learning. In mathematics, pupils have ample opportunities to practice arithmetic, while in English, they develop their writing skills. The early years provision is particularly effective, preparing children well for their transition to key stage one.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with some teachers not consistently focusing on the key knowledge outlined in the curriculum. Leaders need to ensure that assessment is effectively utilized to gauge pupils' understanding and inform teaching strategies. The school has recently adopted a new phonics scheme, which is being implemented effectively, allowing pupils to develop their reading skills from an early age. Support is provided for those who struggle with reading, ensuring they can catch up quickly.
The school promotes pupils' wider development, teaching them about healthy lifestyles and fostering an understanding of equality and diversity. The leadership team is supportive of staff and encourages a healthy work-life balance. Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective training and systems in place to ensure the safety of all pupils.
In summary, John Blow Primary School is a good school that provides a positive learning environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum implementation and assessment practices, the school demonstrates a commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.
