Park Lane Primary and Nursery School in Whittlesey, Peterborough, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024. The headteacher, Rob Litten, leads the school, which is part of the Aspire Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Duncan Ramsey and a board of trustees chaired by Zoe Botterill. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment where pupils are encouraged to adhere to the principles of safety, readiness, and respect. An unspoken rule of kindness permeates the school culture, promoting care and respect among students.
From the early years, pupils engage in a well-rounded curriculum that supports the development of key skills and builds upon their existing knowledge, leading to commendable academic achievements. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) perform in line with their peers, benefiting from tailored support. The school’s vibrant atmosphere contributes to high attendance rates, as students enjoy the engaging activities planned by staff, including local trips that instill pride in their community's history. Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a safe space for students to express their concerns, enhancing their overall well-being.
The school offers a variety of enrichment opportunities that teach pupils to care for their local environment, such as litter-picking initiatives in Reception. Additionally, students learn about diverse cultures and religions, fostering an understanding of their community's multicultural fabric. The curriculum is designed to help pupils build knowledge over time, with a well-organized early years program that prepares them for success in key stage one. Leaders have outlined specific learning objectives in most subjects, enabling pupils to make connections across the curriculum, such as understanding the significance of Whittlesey as a market town.
However, some subjects lack clarity in the key knowledge that pupils need to learn, resulting in inconsistencies in teaching. This can lead to gaps in knowledge and challenges in recalling prior learning. The school is encouraged to clearly define the essential knowledge for all subjects to ensure consistent and effective teaching.
The phonics program is well-established, with children learning letter sounds from the start of Reception. Staff effectively teach phonics and identify pupils needing additional support, fostering a love for reading. The consistent approach to reading instruction allows pupils to develop strong comprehension skills, enabling them to engage in discussions about various texts.
Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND, making necessary adjustments to the curriculum to support their learning. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils achieve well, regardless of their individual needs. The nurturing relationships between staff and pupils create a supportive environment where students feel valued and heard.
Pupils exhibit calm and purposeful behavior throughout the school, responding positively to high expectations set by staff. Those who struggle with behavior receive appropriate support, and the school community fosters a caring atmosphere where students help one another. However, communication regarding behavior management strategies could be improved for parents.
The school actively promotes awareness of local and wider communities through trips, assemblies, and guest speakers. Pupils demonstrate respect and tolerance for diverse beliefs, preparing them for life in modern Britain. There is a desire among students for more leadership opportunities to contribute positively to the school.
Staff express pride in their work and feel valued, appreciating the support from school leaders. The trust collaborates with the school to maintain a focus on continuous improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Park Lane Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a good education, with areas identified for further enhancement to ensure all pupils reach their full potential.
