Gorsemoor Primary School, located in Cannock, Staffordshire, underwent an inspection on 28 and 29 September 2021, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Gorsemoor Primary School are well cared for, with staff prioritizing their well-being. Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable expressing their concerns. The school promotes high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The GROWTH values of nurturing, resilience, collaboration, welcoming, respect, and happiness are integrated into the school culture and curriculum, fostering a sense of community and encouraging pupils to engage with local charities.
Pupils demonstrate respect and politeness in both academic and social settings. They are educated about various forms of bullying and report that incidents are rare, trusting that staff will address any issues that arise. The school emphasizes safety, including online safety, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to protect themselves.
Leaders at Gorsemoor Primary School have a clear vision for providing a rich and engaging curriculum. Recent changes have been made to accommodate mixed-age classes in key stage two, and the curriculum has been effectively redesigned in subjects such as mathematics, geography, and science. However, some subjects, including art and modern foreign languages, are still being adapted to ensure that pupils can build their knowledge progressively. Leaders are aware that they need to monitor the quality of the curriculum across all subjects to ensure consistency.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, building on pupils' prior knowledge and focusing on vocabulary development. Staff effectively model language and support pupils in retaining information. The school employs a 'Dig Deep' approach to lessons, allowing pupils to revisit previous learning, which aids retention and understanding. Pupils take pride in their work and are eager to discuss their learning experiences.
Reading is a priority at Gorsemoor Primary School, with a structured approach that encourages regular reading at home and school. Daily phonics sessions in the early years help pupils develop their reading skills, and additional support is provided for those who struggle. This approach ensures that most pupils become proficient readers, which supports their overall academic progress.
Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support and are fully included in school activities. Staff are well-trained to understand and meet the diverse needs of these pupils. Personal development is woven into the curriculum, with an emphasis on respect and understanding of differences among individuals. Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings, and they participate in decision-making processes within the school.
Governors are actively involved in the school and are committed to the success of the pupils. They are mindful of staff workload and well-being, particularly in light of recent curriculum changes. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are safe and supported. Staff receive regular training to identify and address any potential issues that may affect pupil safety.
While Gorsemoor Primary School has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that all subjects are coherently planned and sequenced to maximize pupil progress. The revised curriculum is still in its early stages, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure consistent implementation across all subjects and key stages.
