Paxcroft Primary School, located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 26 and 27, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils are polite and eager to share their experiences with visitors. The relationships between pupils and staff are supportive, fostering a sense of security among students, particularly when they face challenges or friendship issues. The pastoral team has expanded, ensuring that pupils have access to multiple adults who can assist them.
During break times, students engage in a variety of activities and clubs, with older pupils taking the initiative to help younger ones play together. This peer support enhances the social dynamics within the school. For those who prefer quieter activities, the nurture room offers a space for crafts and gentler pursuits. The school encourages pupil involvement in various aspects of school life, including participation in the school council, which organizes charitable events, and annual performances that instill pride among students.
The leadership team at Paxcroft Primary has recently implemented a more ambitious curriculum, carefully sequencing subjects in the wider curriculum. The school has identified key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should retain. However, as this curriculum is still new, teachers are in the process of developing their expertise to ensure effective implementation. The school prioritizes staff training to support this transition.
Teachers are equipped with the necessary information to assist pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, allowing for tailored curriculum adaptations. Despite the low published outcomes for early reading and writing, the school has made strides in enhancing the curriculum for Reception pupils, focusing on structured activities that promote language skills. In mathematics, pupils are encouraged to articulate their learning processes, while the writing curriculum for younger pupils has been strengthened. However, expectations for writing across the wider curriculum, such as in history, need further establishment to enhance literacy development.
The school has introduced a rigorous reading program that has led to significant improvements in pupils' reading skills. This program is closely monitored in collaboration with external partners, ensuring that pupils learn the necessary phonics to advance their reading abilities. Pupils enjoy reading and listening to stories, which contributes positively to their engagement with literature.
In lessons, pupils demonstrate focus and understanding of behavioral expectations. The school has raised its standards for behavior, and pupils are aware of the routines and expectations set by their teachers. Attendance is actively supported, with the school working to assist families when attendance issues arise.
Paxcroft Primary has developed a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum that covers a range of themes, helping pupils understand safety, kindness, respect, and emotional well-being. The school fosters an open culture around safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported.
Governors are well-informed and actively engage with the school's priorities, providing both challenge and support. The local authority assists in evaluating the impact of leadership efforts. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, and staff feel supported by leadership, which is mindful of their well-being while implementing necessary changes.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. However, to improve further, it needs to embed expectations for writing across foundation subjects and ensure that teachers receive adequate training to implement the new curriculum effectively. Overall, Paxcroft Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
