Meadowside Primary School, located in Quedgeley, Gloucester, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 11-12, 2020. The school provides a welcoming and happy environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for. The staff are dedicated and ambitious for all students to succeed, offering a variety of engaging activities that contribute to the pupils' achievements. Notably, the school organizes ‘wow’ events to kick off new topics, such as inviting visitors from the Wilson Museum to discuss Ernest Shackleton’s explorations.
Pupils at Meadowside are commendable in their behavior, demonstrating politeness and a strong work ethic both in and out of lessons. They embrace the concept of making ‘Marvellous Mistakes’ as a part of their learning process. The early years are particularly vibrant, with children enjoying activities like baking gingerbread men after hearing the story of ‘The Gingerbread Man.’ During break times, pupils engage in friendly play, enjoying games like skittles and bouncing on space-hoppers. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils expressing trust in adults to address any concerns they may have. Parents generally express high satisfaction with the school, highlighting the approachability of the staff and their overall delight with the educational experience provided.
The leadership at Meadowside is effective, having designed a well-structured and interesting curriculum that supports pupil achievement. Staff collaboration fosters a strong team spirit, and governors are actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance. However, some aspects of curriculum oversight require further development. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with phonics instruction starting from the beginning of a child’s education. Daily phonics lessons enhance pupils' reading skills, and once proficient, they are encouraged to explore a diverse range of texts, which aids in vocabulary and comprehension development.
Mathematics instruction is also effective, particularly in the early years, where children engage in hands-on activities to grasp foundational concepts. Despite some challenges in mathematics achievement among older pupils in the previous year, leaders have made adjustments to the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. The teaching of geography has seen improvements, with younger pupils learning about the United Kingdom and older pupils studying natural phenomena like volcanoes and earthquakes. However, the full implementation of these lesson sequences will take time to ensure that pupils retain and understand the material.
The school prioritizes the welfare of its pupils, with adults forming caring relationships that foster a positive learning environment. Disruptions to learning are rare, and additional support is provided for pupils at risk of falling behind, including those with special educational needs. The school has established effective safeguarding measures, ensuring that all staff are trained and follow procedures diligently. Initiatives such as visits from the Life Education bus and police officers help educate pupils on safety and well-being.
In summary, Meadowside Primary School is a good school that excels in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the embedding of curriculum plans and the development of subject leaders, the school demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all its pupils. The positive feedback from parents and the dedication of the staff contribute to the overall success of the school.
