The Quinta Primary School in Congleton, Cheshire, was inspected on May 16 and 17, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school provides a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and happy. They are confident that staff will address any concerns, including bullying, promptly. The school promotes a culture of recognition, encouraging pupils to embody the values of being ready, respectful, and safe. This positive atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community and pride among students, who are eager to excel and receive accolades for their efforts.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully mapped out the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire from early years through to Year 6, ensuring that learning builds progressively on prior knowledge. This structured approach prepares students well for their future educational journeys. In most subjects, teachers are well-supported in delivering the curriculum effectively, which has resulted in pupils achieving good outcomes across a range of subjects.
Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including drama, chess, choir, and sewing, which enrich their educational experience. They take pride in representing the school in competitive sports and cultural events, and they enjoy educational trips, including residential experiences in London and Conwy. Many pupils actively participate in school life by taking on leadership roles, such as running the school shop and leading daily broadcasts for the school radio. This involvement helps to develop their leadership skills and fosters a sense of responsibility.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum is still in the early stages of development, and leaders have not provided sufficient guidance for subject leaders to refine these areas effectively. Consequently, the clarity of content and the sequence of learning in these subjects are less defined, which can hinder teachers' ability to design lessons that build knowledge securely. This inconsistency means that pupils may not develop their understanding equally well across all subjects.
Reading is prioritized within the school, and older pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read. However, some younger pupils, particularly those struggling with reading, are not always provided with books that align closely with their phonics knowledge. This mismatch can impede their reading fluency and comprehension. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to ensure that all pupils receive appropriate support to enhance their reading skills.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils learn about safety through the curriculum, including internet safety and how to avoid physical dangers. The school promotes pupils' personal development, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health, and encourages them to engage with diverse cultures and communities.
Governors and trustees are actively involved in the school's progress, holding leaders accountable and supporting staff well-being. Overall, The Quinta Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for all pupils, while also recognizing the need for ongoing improvements in certain areas of the curriculum and support for pupils with specific needs.
