Parkland Primary School South Wigston has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023. The headteacher, Andrew Hayes, leads the school, which is part of the Discovery Schools Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Paul Stone and a board of trustees chaired by Richard Bettsworth. The school is known for its inclusive and nurturing environment, providing an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students. Pupils express feeling well-supported, with one stating that teachers provide helpful examples when they struggle.
Students at Parkland Primary School enjoy their learning experiences and demonstrate focus during lessons. They interact respectfully with peers and adults, contributing to a positive school atmosphere where they feel safe and happy. The school has a strong pastoral team that offers emotional support to both pupils and families, ensuring that students know they can seek help when needed. Various clubs, including gymnastics, dance, and arts and crafts, are available, and pupils appreciate opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as becoming school councillors or sports ambassadors.
In the early years, children exhibit high levels of independence, with staff actively engaging them to promote early language development. The Reception Year provides a diverse range of learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, allowing children to learn through play and exploration. The school has prioritized reading, implementing a well-structured phonics program that effectively supports pupils in developing their reading skills. Mathematics lessons are designed to enhance pupils' fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, with classroom environments that facilitate learning.
While the school is in the process of introducing a new curriculum for foundation subjects, some areas are not yet as well established as others. Although important knowledge is identified in certain subjects, this clarity is not consistent across the board. Teachers regularly assess what pupils remember, but this practice is not fully developed in all subjects, which can hinder pupils' retention of learned material.
Pupils with special educational needs receive effective support, with the school collaborating with external agencies to ensure they access a suitable curriculum. The school is committed to inclusion, providing therapeutic approaches to support students' social, emotional, and mental health needs. The pastoral team is skilled in delivering tailored support programs to help pupils manage their behavior.
Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of British values and can relate these values to their daily lives. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, covering essential topics, including relationships and sex education. Assemblies reinforce the content learned in PSHE, aiding pupils' retention of information.
Staff members, including early career teachers, feel well-supported and have access to various training opportunities. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. To improve, the school should ensure that the curriculum clearly outlines the specific knowledge pupils should learn in foundation subjects and establish a consistent approach to assessing their understanding. This will help maximize pupils' learning and achievement across all subjects. Overall, Parkland Primary School South Wigston continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
