Allenton Primary School, located in Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school is characterized by a happy and inclusive environment where pupils express pride in their school. They feel safe and cared for, with positive feedback from students about the kindness of teachers and the supportive atmosphere. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers enhance the learning experience through regular trips and visits, which are highly valued by the students.
The classrooms at Allenton Primary are calm and focused, fostering positive attitudes towards learning. The school promotes values such as resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness, and reciprocity, which are embraced by the pupils. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff are proactive in addressing the issues, ensuring that pupils feel secure in their environment. The school offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, encouraging students to take on responsibilities such as being hall helpers or school councillors. Year six pupils particularly enjoy serving as role models for younger students.
In terms of academic performance, the school has prioritized early reading and phonics. Staff are well-trained and conduct regular assessments to ensure that pupils receive the necessary support to become fluent readers. Interventions are in place for those at risk of falling behind, and reading materials are tailored to match the sounds pupils have learned. This approach not only aids in reading unfamiliar words but also fosters a love for reading. The reading curriculum is diverse, exposing pupils to a wide range of genres, authors, and cultures, which enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The Reception Year learning environment is well-resourced, allowing children to learn through play. The outdoor area is designed to promote safe risk-taking and the development of gross motor skills. However, there are inconsistencies in the quality of adult interactions with children, leading to missed opportunities for enhancing early language and communication skills. The school is working to improve this aspect of early years provision.
The curriculum across all subjects is well-designed and sequenced, enabling pupils to build knowledge progressively. Various assessment methods, such as knowledge organizers and recap tasks, are employed to reinforce learning. However, some subject leaders rely heavily on senior leaders for support and may lack a comprehensive understanding of their subjects' planning and implementation.
In mathematics, pupils regularly engage in problem-solving and are encouraged to explain their reasoning. Teachers utilize a variety of resources to aid understanding, and classroom displays support pupils in solving different types of calculations. Personal, social, and health education, along with relationships and sex education, prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, ensuring they understand diverse relationships and the importance of healthy living.
Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, with leaders actively engaging with external agencies to provide tailored assistance. Teachers adapt lessons to ensure these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers, using innovative methods to demonstrate understanding.
Staff at Allenton Primary feel well-supported by leadership, which considers their workload and well-being. The school fosters a collaborative environment where staff feel comfortable seeking help and mentorship. Leaders provide ample training opportunities, particularly for early-career teachers, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance. Staff receive regular training and updates, ensuring they are equipped to handle safeguarding concerns. Pupils report feeling safe and know they can approach adults with any worries.
To improve, the school needs to focus on enhancing the consistency of adult interactions in the Reception Year to better support language development. Additionally, subject leaders should be empowered to monitor and develop their subjects independently, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to drive improvements. Overall, Allenton Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
