Sparkwell All Saints Primary School has been recognized as a beacon of excellence in education, as reaffirmed by the recent Ofsted report following a short inspection in January 2019. The school has maintained its good status since its last inspection in 2015, a commendable achievement.
Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs. Francesca McLoughlin, the school has fostered a nurturing and effective educational environment. The leadership team collaborates seamlessly to ensure that every pupil receives the highest quality of education. Enrollment has increased significantly, especially among pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school provides effective pastoral support, making pupils feel safe and happy, with parents expressing overwhelming satisfaction with the individual care and attention provided.
The positive learning environment at Sparkwell All Saints Primary School is evident through commendable pupil behavior, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere. The innovative curriculum engages students, with impressive displays of pupils' work showcasing a wide range of topics. The quality of art and design work is noteworthy, and the enhanced curriculum, including weekly forest school sessions, is highly valued by both pupils and parents.
Academic progress and curriculum effectiveness are strong points at the school, with pupils in key stage 1 making significant progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The phonics screening check results are in line with national averages, thanks to high-quality phonics sessions and personalized interventions. However, there is a recognition of the need for further improvement in writing and mathematics for low- and middle-ability pupils in key stage 2. The curriculum encourages deep thinking and resilience, with a strong emphasis on reading and vocabulary development through subjects like history and geography.
Sparkwell All Saints Primary School prides itself on being inclusive and providing a supportive environment for pupils with SEND. While there are challenges in meeting individual expectations in writing and mathematics for some pupils, the leadership is focused on improving assessment practices to better support these learners. Attendance initiatives have been implemented to raise expectations and improve rates, resulting in improved attendance and punctuality, with persistent absence rates below the national average.
The Ofsted report outlines key areas for further development, including enhancing staff training to better assess and support pupils with SEND, and ensuring that low- and middle-ability pupils consistently apply age-appropriate spelling and punctuation rules across the curriculum. In conclusion, Sparkwell All Saints Primary School stands as a testament to effective leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering a love of learning. With a clear vision for continuous improvement, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
