Muskham Primary School underwent a short inspection on 9 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in December 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team, under Mrs. Amanda Crossland, has effectively upheld the quality of education and care for all pupils. The headteacher's passionate and effective leadership has fostered a shared vision for improvement, which is supported by staff and positively received by parents. Many parents expressed their satisfaction with the school's ethos and the holistic development it promotes.
The school has made significant progress in addressing areas for improvement identified in the last inspection. Notable advancements have been observed in pupils' writing and spelling, attributed to consistent teaching strategies and the introduction of effective English skills development. Middle leaders are beginning to have a more substantial impact on their areas of responsibility, and the sharing of best practices among staff has been encouraged. However, some inconsistencies in teaching practices remain, and the leadership team is actively monitoring and providing feedback to enhance overall teaching quality.
The learning environment at Muskham Primary is bright and supportive, with high expectations set by teachers. Pupils demonstrate engagement and enthusiasm for their learning, which is enriched by a well-rounded curriculum that considers their interests. The school's approach, termed 'Enablers,' encourages pupils to develop essential skills such as empathy, perseverance, and creativity. Pupils exhibit good behavior and care for one another, contributing to a positive school culture. Their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding is well-developed, and they feel valued in an inclusive environment.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors possessing an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They play an essential role in supporting the leadership team and ensuring effective safeguarding procedures are in place. The safeguarding measures are robust, with all staff receiving appropriate training and maintaining a high priority on pupil safety. The school collaborates with families and external agencies to provide comprehensive support for pupils' well-being.
The inspection findings highlighted the progress made in addressing previous inconsistencies in teaching quality. Improvements have been noted in early years provision, phonics instruction, and the teaching of key skills in writing and mathematics. While the quality of teaching is monitored effectively, there are still areas where further refinement is needed to meet all pupils' needs, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school improvement plan focuses on embedding best practices in teaching, particularly in reading and writing, and maximizing the impact of leadership. Although progress in key stage two has fluctuated, recent strategies in writing and reading are showing positive effects on pupil outcomes. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils make consistent progress and that the needs of disadvantaged pupils are adequately addressed.
In summary, Muskham Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with effective leadership and a supportive environment for pupils. The school is focused on ongoing improvement, with clear priorities for enhancing teaching quality and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. The commitment to safeguarding and the well-being of pupils is evident, contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture.
