Thorngumbald Primary School, located on Plumtree Road in Thorngumbald, underwent an inspection on February 22 and 23, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school fosters a positive learning environment where adults maintain high expectations for pupils. Students are engaged and eager to participate in lessons, demonstrating their understanding in subjects like French, where they can recall vocabulary related to animals and food. The school prioritizes creating a safe and enjoyable learning atmosphere, ensuring that pupils feel secure and valued.
Pupils are encouraged to contribute to school life, including the establishment of the ‘STAR’ values, which promote safety, teamwork, and resilience. They take pride in these values and actively participate in electing school council members, reinforcing a sense of community and equality. The school effectively addresses bullying, which is infrequent, and promotes healthy lifestyles through various activities, including playtime games and sports.
The curriculum is well-structured, with leaders providing training to subject leaders to enhance their expertise. Teachers carefully select activities that help pupils acquire essential knowledge, particularly in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. However, there is a need for improvement in assessing long-term retention of knowledge in other subjects. The school has implemented an inclusive approach for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn alongside their peers and receive the necessary support.
Phonics instruction begins in Reception Year and is delivered consistently, enabling pupils to decode words effectively. The school celebrates reading through various initiatives, linking texts to the curriculum to enhance comprehension. The early years curriculum is logically organized, focusing on vocabulary development and fostering positive relationships among children.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum addresses specific risks pupils may face in their community, promoting well-being through activities like yoga. The school emphasizes the importance of attendance, which is crucial for accessing the full curriculum. Governors possess a thorough understanding of the school's progress and support the leadership team in driving improvements. The new headteacher is committed to maintaining this positive trajectory, and most parents express satisfaction with the school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff participating in annual training to identify vulnerable pupils. Leaders collaborate with local partners to ensure appropriate support is available for students and their families. The school has established a robust system for checking the safety of all adults working with children.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school needs to develop a more accurate system for assessing pupils' knowledge in foundation curriculum subjects. This will enable teachers to identify gaps in understanding and misconceptions more effectively. Implementing such a system will enhance the school's ability to provide a comprehensive education that meets the needs of all pupils. Overall, Thorngumbald Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment, with clear pathways for continued improvement.
