Orchard Primary School and Nursery, located in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was inspected on February 2 and 3, 2022. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it received an outstanding rating. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine evaluations until November 2020.
The school environment is described as welcoming, with pupils exhibiting polite and friendly behaviour. They engage well in lessons and enjoy their playtime, which is enriched by thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that promote physical fitness and emotional well-being. Pupils take pride in their roles as ‘playground friends,’ helping peers who may feel lonely during recess. The school effectively addresses bullying, with a strong consensus among parents, staff, and students regarding the handling of such incidents. Pupils feel safe and are taught the importance of health and well-being, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The curriculum has been recently revised to ensure clarity in what pupils should learn at each stage. While the curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, leaders acknowledge that the modern foreign languages curriculum, specifically French, requires further alignment with national standards. Some subject leaders are new to their roles and are still developing a comprehensive understanding of their subjects. Teachers have begun implementing the revised curriculum, and early signs indicate positive outcomes, particularly in mathematics, where pupils express enjoyment in challenging tasks.
Reading is a priority for the school, with a new phonics programme recently introduced. Staff report that this initiative has significantly improved early reading skills, enabling pupils to become fluent readers more quickly. The school also provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the full curriculum. Communication with parents and external agencies is strong, facilitating a supportive environment for all students.
Leaders promote broader development through a curriculum aspect focused on key values, encouraging pupils to understand concepts such as democracy and the rule of law. However, there is a noted gap in pupils' understanding of diverse faiths and cultures, which is an area for improvement. Staff and governors are attentive to the well-being of both staff and pupils, fostering a positive school culture.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance and training among staff. Leaders emphasize the importance of reporting any concerns, no matter how minor, ensuring that pupils are well-supported and safe. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with plans to enhance the curriculum further and address the identified gaps in cultural education.
In summary, Orchard Primary School and Nursery demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. While the school has made significant strides in various areas, there remains a focus on refining the curriculum and enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and faiths. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
