The Grange Primary School, located in Ashby, Scunthorpe, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. This marks a significant decline from its previous Outstanding rating. The inspection, conducted on November 1 and 2, 2023, highlighted several areas needing attention, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as Requires Improvement.
Despite the challenges, the school is described as a caring and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Staff members are dedicated to the well-being of the students, and many pupils enjoy attending school. However, the inspection revealed that the quality of education has not been sufficient to prepare pupils adequately for their next steps, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has recognized these shortcomings and is working with the local authority to implement improvements, although many changes are still in the early stages.
Pupils generally exhibit kindness towards one another and engage positively during playtimes. However, disruptive behavior in classrooms has been noted, with inconsistent expectations from adults regarding pupil behavior management. This inconsistency can hinder the learning environment, as some staff members do not effectively manage disruptive behavior.
The school has made strides in enhancing its curriculum by clearly identifying essential knowledge for each subject. However, the implementation of this curriculum is inconsistent, with some teachers lacking the necessary training to deliver content effectively. This has resulted in gaps in pupils' knowledge, as staff do not regularly check for understanding or retention of what has been taught.
In terms of early reading, the school has an ambitious curriculum in place, and most staff have received training to support early reading instruction. However, there is a lack of opportunities for pupils to practice reading the sounds they are learning, which can lead to forgetfulness. Additionally, support for struggling readers is inconsistent across year groups, impacting their fluency and confidence.
Leaders are actively working to improve early years provision, with recent enhancements to the curriculum in Reception that support children's vocabulary and communication skills. However, further training is planned to ensure that improvements are mirrored in the Nursery class.
The school has also focused on improving support for pupils with special educational needs, with some pupils receiving effective assistance. However, this support is not uniform, and some pupils do not have clear plans outlining their learning steps, which affects their overall achievement.
Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles and develop strong relationships with peers. They engage in community activities, such as visiting a local care home, which fosters a sense of contribution. However, the curriculum for personal development is incomplete, and pupils do not receive adequate education on important topics, including different religions and modern British life.
Attendance has been a concern, but leaders are taking steps to address this issue, with early signs of improvement in reducing persistent absenteeism. The governing body has faced challenges, including vacancies and insufficient training, which limits their ability to hold school leaders accountable effectively.
Overall, while The Grange Primary School has a caring environment and is making efforts to improve, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education, behavior management, and personal development to ensure that all pupils are well-prepared for their future.