Trowell CofE Primary School, located in Nottinghamshire, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on February 12 and 13, 2020, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by its strong values, which include love for others, aiming high, doing the right thing, and believing in oneself. These values are deeply embedded in the school culture, contributing to a positive and inclusive environment where pupils feel proud and excited to attend.
Pupils at Trowell CofE Primary School exhibit good behavior in a calm and purposeful learning atmosphere. They feel safe and supported, with a strong emphasis on respect and understanding of bullying, which they report as infrequent. The school fosters a culture where pupils are encouraged to express their concerns to staff, ensuring that they feel secure and valued. The curriculum is broad, and most pupils achieve well across various subjects, although there are areas where some pupils could receive more tailored support.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including gymnastics, archery, and a newspaper club, which help pupils develop responsibility and teamwork skills. Leaders and staff are actively working to enhance the curriculum, ensuring that essential skills and knowledge are prioritized. While most subjects are well-planned and sequenced, there is a need for better integration of early years learning with the curriculum for older pupils.
Mathematics and science teaching is particularly strong, with lessons designed to build on prior knowledge effectively. This approach helps pupils retain and understand new concepts. The physical education curriculum is in the early stages of development, with leaders aiming to make it more ambitious. Reading is a high priority, with a rich selection of books available and parental involvement encouraged through workshops and reading sessions.
Phonics instruction is systematic, and pupils are provided with books that align with their phonics knowledge. However, there are inconsistencies in the application of phonics teaching in Years 1 and 2, which can hinder some pupils' progress in reading and writing. While most pupils benefit from the phonics program, a small number continue to struggle due to these inconsistencies.
The school also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive regular training, and pupils learn about safety both in and out of school, including internet safety and healthy living.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to complete the review of the curriculum to ensure all subjects are coherently sequenced and developed. Additionally, assessment practices need to be more consistent to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Ensuring that all pupils who fall behind in phonics receive timely support is crucial for their progress.
Overall, Trowell CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils. The leadership team is actively addressing areas for development, and the school is on a positive trajectory towards enhancing the educational experience for all its students.
