The Grove Primary School in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, has undergone a significant transformation since its last inspection in May 2019, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The recent inspection on January 10 and 11, 2023, has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school community takes pride in its inclusive ethos, encapsulated in the belief that everyone is welcome. Pupils express feelings of happiness and safety, attributing this to the kindness and support of their teachers. Parents and staff have noted numerous improvements, with many describing the school as a great choice for their children's education.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior, responding positively to the high expectations set by their teachers. Classrooms are characterized by a calm and purposeful atmosphere, fostering positive relationships that enable effective learning. The school has implemented strategies to support pupils who struggle with behavior regulation, ensuring that all students can focus on their education. Pupils are aware of the unacceptability of bullying and appreciate the mechanisms in place, such as worry boxes, which allow them to express concerns anonymously. They trust that teachers will address any issues fairly and promptly.
The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as play leaders and school ambassadors, which helps them develop pride and empathy. A wide range of extracurricular clubs is available, promoting healthy lifestyles and active participation. The curriculum has been thoroughly revised since the last inspection, with a clear focus on what pupils should learn and in what order. This structured approach aims to enhance pupils' knowledge retention and application across subjects. While most pupils can apply prior knowledge to new concepts, inconsistencies remain in some year groups, where teachers may not always check for understanding effectively.
The reading curriculum has been updated to ensure ambitious goals for all pupils, with a new approach to early reading and phonics. Children begin learning to read in the Reception class, using books that align with their phonetic knowledge. This initiative has positively impacted pupils' development as confident readers. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, involving parents in discussions about their children's progress. However, the targets set in individual support plans are often too broad, making it challenging for staff to provide tailored support.
In the early years, children settle quickly into routines and engage in a well-planned curriculum that promotes knowledge and skill development across various learning areas. The school emphasizes personal development through a curriculum that includes lessons on healthy relationships and cultural awareness. The leadership team is attentive to staff well-being, fostering a supportive environment where staff feel valued.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained to handle concerns, and there are robust partnerships with external agencies to support pupils' needs. Pupils report feeling safe and are educated about healthy relationships and online safety.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school must address some inconsistencies in curriculum implementation and refine the support plans for pupils with special educational needs to ensure that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes moving forward.
