Parkhead Community Primary School is recognized for its inclusive environment where leaders, staff, and stakeholders maintain high aspirations for all pupils. The curriculum is designed to reflect these ambitions, ensuring that students are supported in achieving their best. Pupils express appreciation for the efforts of the school community, feeling that they are encouraged to embody the school motto of being the best they can be. The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by warmth and care, fostering a safe atmosphere where students feel confident discussing their well-being. The positive attitudes towards learning are evident, with clear expectations set by staff regarding behavior, resulting in a focused learning environment with minimal disruptions. Instances of bullying are reported as rare, and pupils trust that any issues will be addressed promptly by adults in the school.
Beyond academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that enrich the pupils' experiences. Students enthusiastically engage in outdoor learning and play during breaks, and the presence of visitors and after-school clubs further enhances the school's offerings. The collaborative efforts of leaders and staff have resulted in a broad and ambitious curriculum that helps pupils build essential knowledge and skills over time. However, assessment outcomes at the end of key stages do not yet fully reflect the current strengths in teaching and learning.
Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of pupils in reading and mathematics, which has positively impacted their subject knowledge. The passion of leaders for their subjects is evident, and they provide high-quality training for staff. Teachers demonstrate a clear understanding of how to embed knowledge and skills effectively, particularly in mathematics. In subjects like history, techniques such as recapping and quizzing are employed to help pupils retain information and connect new learning with prior knowledge. While assessment practices are generally well thought out, there is a need for further development in some foundation subjects, including physical education.
In early years, pupils are introduced to reading through engaging activities like story time and singing, fostering a love for literature. Phonics lessons are consistently taught, and children take pride in their reading progress. Older pupils also show enthusiasm for reading, benefiting from various opportunities to explore literature, including access to a school library housed in a bus.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-matched to their individual requirements, with timely referrals to specialist services and appropriate training for staff. The establishment of strong relationships between pupils and staff is prioritized, contributing to a calm and settled atmosphere throughout the school. The curriculum for personal, social, and health education is carefully planned, enabling pupils to discuss various topics with confidence and maturity. They demonstrate respect for diversity and an understanding that discrimination is not tolerated.
Staff members benefit from approachable leadership and a culture of teamwork, with their well-being being monitored by leaders and governors. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders providing timely support to families and ensuring that staff receive regular training tailored to community needs. Pupils feel safe and are knowledgeable about online safety and community awareness.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the links between the early years curriculum and the rest of the school, ensuring that foundational knowledge and skills are adequately prepared for key stage one. Additionally, assessment practices in some foundation subjects require further development to ensure they effectively inform future teaching and planning. Overall, Parkhead Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
