Even Swindon Primary School, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024. The school is characterized by a friendly atmosphere where pupils, many of whom speak English as an additional language, demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and respect. They express confidence in how the school's values foster an optimistic outlook, helping them navigate challenges and feel integrated into the school community.
The staff at Even Swindon Primary School consistently implement the school's behavior management approach, resulting in well-behaved pupils who are polite and courteous. The school encourages pupils to take pride in their achievements, such as earning 'dojos' for meeting the 'good to be green' expectations. This positive behavior is evident from the early years, where children engage well with one another and listen attentively.
Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful, contributing to a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable sharing their concerns. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including residential trips, visits, and after-school clubs in areas like art, choir, and dodgeball. Pupils are eager to assume leadership roles, which enhances their confidence and sense of responsibility.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, particularly those with English as an additional language. Its ambitious curriculum is well-structured, clearly outlining the essential knowledge and vocabulary pupils need to acquire. This structured approach enables pupils to build their understanding effectively across subjects. For instance, younger pupils show improved ball control in physical education, while older pupils make connections between previous learning and new concepts in athletics.
A shared enthusiasm for reading is evident among both pupils and staff. The school emphasizes the importance of reading in building knowledge, and staff are well-equipped to teach the reading program effectively. Beginning in the Nursery, children engage with rhymes and songs to develop phonetic awareness, and as they progress, they learn new sounds successfully. Those who struggle receive the necessary support to catch up, resulting in fluent and confident readers.
The school has made significant strides in addressing past weaknesses in mathematics, with teachers effectively using their subject knowledge to enhance pupils' understanding. They assess pupils' comprehension before introducing new material, allowing younger pupils to gain confidence with numbers and older pupils to tackle more complex problems. However, there are inconsistencies in subject knowledge across the curriculum, which can hinder some pupils' progress when misconceptions are not adequately addressed.
Even Swindon Primary School accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that individual support plans are precise and regularly reviewed. Most pupils with SEND progress alongside their peers, demonstrating their learning effectively.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and enjoy opportunities to develop their creative skills. They navigate the school calmly and sensibly, adhering to routines established in the early years. The school has effective attendance systems and collaborates with parents and external agencies to address any concerns.
The school promotes personal development by emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health, tolerance, and inclusion. Pupils engage in charitable activities and community projects, further developing their character. Governors fulfill their statutory duties, providing a balance of support and challenge, while staff appreciate the measures taken to manage their workload effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at Even Swindon Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to enhance teachers' subject knowledge in certain areas of the curriculum to ensure consistent delivery and address any gaps in pupils' knowledge. Overall, Even Swindon Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
