Outwoods Edge Primary School, located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 12 and 13 October 2021. The school is appreciated by pupils for its unique environment, where they feel safe and supported. They enjoy their time with friends and express that teachers are kind and help them manage their emotions and mental health. Pupils are aware of whom to approach when they have concerns, and parents commend the staff for their compassion and understanding.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with a polite and friendly demeanor observed throughout the school. The consistent application of the behavior policy by all adults ensures that pupils who require additional support receive it effectively. Teachers play a crucial role in helping pupils develop their character and make informed choices regarding their behavior. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel that adults assist them in learning from their mistakes.
During lunchtime, pupils engage in activities such as den building and music-making, fostering a sense of responsibility among them to help each other understand the school's values. The school promotes a culture of rewards, with pupils expressing pride in their achievements and the positive reinforcement they receive.
The new leadership team has focused on enhancing teachers' understanding of how to support pupils' learning over time. They have reviewed various policies and procedures, including curriculum plans across most subjects. A new reading program has been introduced, with staff receiving training to ensure its effective implementation. Pupils are provided with reading materials that match their abilities, and regular assessments are conducted to monitor their progress.
Changes have also been made in the planning of mathematics lessons, allowing teachers to build on pupils' existing knowledge. Regular checks ensure that pupils grasp essential facts and strategies in mathematics, with pupils noting that they learn from their errors. However, while leaders have begun reviewing subject plans in other areas, there is a need for more precise breakdowns of knowledge in the curriculum. For instance, in history, the plans do not adequately outline how pupils will improve their skills in using sources of evidence.
The early years environment is welcoming, with children enjoying a variety of resources. However, there is a lack of clear routines to support children at earlier stages of communication and social development, which limits their ability to catch up quickly. Leaders are making adaptations to ensure that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in all aspects of school life, with ongoing reviews to enhance their learning experiences.
Attendance remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those at the early stages of reading. Leaders are encouraged to identify at-risk pupils earlier and work closely with parents to improve attendance rates. The curriculum promotes physical health and understanding of relationships, diversity, and modern British life.
Teachers appreciate the efforts made by leaders to manage their workload and are proud to work at the school. The inspector noted that early years, attendance, and curriculum planning should be focal points for the next inspection. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained and vigilant regarding pupils' welfare. Overall, while Outwoods Edge Primary School continues to be a good school, there are areas identified for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
