Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection at Sandbrook Community Primary School on May 25, 2021, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress made since the last section 5 inspection. The report acknowledges the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and considers its impact on the school’s operations and educational delivery.
The inspection found that school leaders and governors are taking effective action to improve the school and work towards achieving a good rating. The school has implemented a well-structured plan that prioritizes necessary actions for improvement. Leaders routinely check the progress of these actions, ensuring timely changes to the quality of education provided to pupils.
A significant focus has been placed on enhancing the teaching of phonics. Staff have received training to effectively deliver the phonics curriculum, and assessment information is utilized to identify pupils who require additional support. This approach has led to improvements in reading fluency among pupils in the early years and key stage 1. However, the report notes that in key stage 2, teachers do not consistently use assessment information to plan reading activities that build on pupils' existing knowledge and skills.
In addition to reading, the school has introduced a new approach to teaching spelling in key stage 2. Plans outline the spelling patterns pupils should learn by specific points in time, aiding staff in planning relevant activities. Despite these efforts, some pupils continue to struggle with spelling words they should know, indicating a need for further refinement in this area.
The curriculum has been improved to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. New curriculum plans are ambitious and clearly outline what pupils need to learn and by when. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide support to colleagues, ensuring that curriculum plans are effective in helping pupils retain knowledge as they progress through the school. Adjustments have been made to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic, and staff have effectively revisited prior learning to reinforce understanding.
Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They are well-informed about the actions taken by school leaders to improve the school and have engaged with subject leaders to understand curriculum changes. Their commitment is evident in their investment in new reading resources to enhance pupils' reading experiences.
The school has utilized support from the local authority to focus on accurate improvement priorities. This guidance has been instrumental in assessing the quality of the curriculum and navigating challenges posed by the pandemic. Additionally, external support from educational consultants and local hubs for English has contributed to leadership development and curriculum enhancements. Staff have also benefited from training aimed at supporting their mental health and well-being, with many now serving as mental health champions.
The inspection involved meetings with school leaders, curriculum leaders, and staff, as well as discussions with the chair of the governing body and a local authority representative. Observations of phonics and reading lessons were conducted, along with an examination of various documentation, including the school improvement plan and curriculum plans. The feedback from parents and staff through online questionnaires was also considered.
Overall, the inspection indicates that Sandbrook Community Primary School is making significant strides towards improvement, with effective leadership and a commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all pupils. Continued focus on refining assessment practices and addressing spelling challenges will be essential for sustained progress.
