Featherstone Wood Primary School, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 18 and 19 October 2022, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Featherstone Wood Primary School express happiness and a sense of safety while attending. They take pride in their school and demonstrate enthusiasm for their learning. The school fosters a positive attitude towards education, with high expectations for both academic achievement and conduct. Pupils aspire to be recognized as 'star learners' and show politeness and respect towards one another and adults. The school environment is calm and orderly, providing designated areas for quiet reflection. Although some pupils report instances of bullying, they feel confident that staff address these issues promptly and effectively.
The leadership team has made commendable strides in enhancing the quality of education. They have implemented an ambitious and well-structured curriculum that allows teachers to introduce new knowledge in manageable increments. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum plans lack sufficient detail, which may hinder pupils from acquiring all necessary knowledge. Leaders are actively working to rectify this. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding, making adjustments to lessons as needed to reinforce learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive high-quality support, ensuring they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Well-trained staff effectively teach phonics, enabling children to progress confidently through their reading journey. The school also provides a variety of engaging books, fostering a love for reading among pupils.
In the early years, children make a solid start to their education, with a focus on developing communication and language skills. They enjoy listening to stories and have opportunities for exploration and play, promoting independence. However, there are instances where staff do not consistently check if all children have retained the knowledge taught, which can lead to gaps in foundational knowledge.
The curriculum for personal, social, health, and economic education is well-planned and age-appropriate, allowing pupils to learn about various topics, including healthy eating. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Staff training is prioritized, with leaders ensuring that all staff receive appropriate professional development related to the curriculum. This support contributes positively to staff morale and effectiveness. Governors are actively engaged in their roles, monitoring progress and providing support to school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Featherstone Wood Primary School are effective. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding processes and are vigilant in identifying and reporting concerns. The school provides a range of support services to ensure pupils and their families receive the necessary assistance.
To further improve, the school should focus on refining curriculum plans to ensure all key concepts are taught consistently across subjects. Additionally, enhancing assessment practices in the early years will help identify gaps in knowledge more swiftly, ensuring all children are well-prepared for their transition to key stage one. Overall, Featherstone Wood Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
