Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Fernvale Primary School on 6 March 2019, following its previous good rating in October 2013. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Miss Natalie Hackett, has effectively managed significant changes, including joining the Oadby, Wigston, and Leicestershire Academy Trust and welcoming new staff. The school has also expanded its Reception classes, creating a vibrant and well-resourced learning environment.
The leadership has maintained a focus on delivering an interesting and varied curriculum while instilling strong core values in pupils. Staff morale is high, and they take pride in being part of a cohesive team. Parents and carers express positive sentiments about the school, particularly appreciating the care and support provided by the staff. The school has made efforts to enhance communication with parents through informative resources and workshops, responding to requests for increased extracurricular opportunities.
Pupils at Fernvale Primary School exhibit politeness and cooperation, contributing to a calm and focused learning atmosphere. The school promotes fundamental British values, and pupils demonstrate respect for diversity. Senior leaders have established comprehensive school improvement planning processes, and the local governing body is actively involved in monitoring the school's progress. Middle leaders have received support to develop their leadership skills, ensuring a close watch on teaching quality.
The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining the pace of learning during lessons. Observations during the inspection showed pupils engaged in their learning, with effective questioning techniques employed by teachers to deepen understanding. Staff collaboration across the trust has fostered professional development aligned with school improvement priorities.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the attainment of boys in reading and writing. The school has implemented strategies to enhance literacy skills, including targeted support for boys and a focus on phonics teaching. While progress is being made, there is a need for greater challenge in lessons to ensure more boys reach higher standards.
The inspection also highlighted concerns regarding the attendance of disadvantaged pupils, which is below the national average. The school is actively monitoring attendance and providing tailored support to families, with some signs of improvement noted. Nevertheless, persistent absence remains a significant issue.
In summary, Fernvale Primary School is effectively led and continues to provide a good education. The school has made commendable progress in various areas, including curriculum delivery and pupil engagement. However, ongoing efforts are needed to address the challenges related to boys' literacy attainment and the attendance of disadvantaged pupils. The leadership team is aware of these issues and is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. The inspection findings indicate a positive trajectory for the school, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
