Elmswell Community Primary School, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of community among pupils, staff, and parents. Students express their enjoyment of attending school and feel secure due to the attentive care provided by the staff. The school has effectively addressed bullying, with all parties involved agreeing that it is not an issue. Pupils demonstrate positive behavior and a strong work ethic, motivated by their desire to succeed for their teachers.
The staff at Elmswell Community Primary School are dedicated and ambitious for their pupils, striving to tailor their teaching approaches to meet individual needs. They provide necessary support and encouragement, which contributes to the overall positive learning environment. Pupils appreciate the variety of assemblies and extracurricular activities, which help them develop confidence and other skills outside the classroom.
The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, ensuring it is more suitable for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum remains broad, allowing students to explore various subjects that contribute to their development as well-rounded individuals. Teachers collaborate effectively to plan lessons, creating better connections between subjects and year groups. This structured approach aids pupils in retaining information and understanding new concepts.
While the new curriculum is showing promise, there are still areas for improvement. Leaders are aware of the decline in reading and mathematics progress figures in 2019 and are actively working to address these issues. They are focusing on enhancing early language skills and using classic texts to enrich vocabulary and comprehension in older year groups. In mathematics, teachers are encouraging pupils to tackle more complex problems and develop their reasoning skills.
Pupils in the early years are off to a strong start, acquiring foundational reading and numeracy skills. They engage in play and learning activities that promote their understanding of basic concepts. The transition to more formal learning is supported by resources designed to prepare them for Year 1.
The school promotes a wide range of physical education activities and offers numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular experiences, such as clubs and trips. These activities enrich the students' educational experience and help them develop social skills.
Safeguarding measures at Elmswell Community Primary School are robust, with a strong culture of safety overseen by leaders. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported. The school has established effective communication with parents, fostering trust and collaboration.
To further enhance the quality of education, leaders must continue to focus on improving pupils' comprehension and vocabulary skills, ensuring they can effectively respond to various questions. Additionally, staff need to become more familiar with the new curriculum approaches to ensure consistent and effective teaching across all subjects. Monitoring the quality of teaching and learning will be essential to ensure that all pupils make the progress they are capable of achieving. Overall, Elmswell Community Primary School is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
