Ashby Willesley Primary School, located in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on November 16 and 17, 2022. The school is recognized for its inclusive environment where pupils are happy and confident learners. Leaders maintain high expectations for all students, resulting in commendable academic achievements. The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they are well integrated into the learning environment.
Pupils exhibit calm and orderly behavior during lessons, and there is a strong culture of addressing bullying swiftly and effectively. Parents express satisfaction with the care and attention their children receive from staff. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, such as participating in the Purple Parliament and acting as sports leaders, which positively impacts their confidence. Pupils also engage in various trips and activities, including a residential visit to Norfolk, which helps them prepare for the transition to secondary school.
The school emphasizes twelve core values, including communication, empathy, friendship, and kindness, which pupils understand and demonstrate in their interactions. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, with a particular focus on reading. Leaders prioritize reading and have implemented a coherent phonics program that is well-structured, allowing pupils to develop their reading fluency. Teachers actively encourage regular reading and communicate with parents about how they can support their children's literacy development. However, not all staff have received training to effectively deliver the phonics program.
Subject leaders are provided with time and training to enhance their expertise, particularly in science, where the curriculum is well-planned and allows pupils to deepen their knowledge over time. However, this level of planning is not yet consistent across all subjects, leading to some pupils struggling to recall their learning, especially in foundation subjects. Leaders are beginning to explore how retrieval activities can be utilized to improve knowledge retention across the curriculum.
Teachers employ various methods to assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions. Many use questioning effectively to encourage pupils to articulate their reasoning. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, with staff promptly identifying their needs and ensuring that all pupils have access to the same curriculum.
The curriculum extends beyond academic subjects, offering pupils opportunities to develop their skills and talents through music and sports. Pupils participate in learning for life lessons that focus on safety, health, and understanding the world. While pupils understand the school's values, there is a need for improvement in their understanding of fundamental British values and the differences between world faiths. Some pupils struggle to recall their learning about various religions, indicating a gap in their knowledge.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to routines, and the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity. The early years leader effectively identifies priorities for improvement, enhancing children's experiences at school. Leaders feel well-supported by the multi-academy trust, which provides opportunities for staff development. Trustees fulfill their responsibilities and maintain effective communication with staff and parents.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with clear procedures for reporting concerns. Staff receive regular training, and there is a strong culture of safeguarding among all members of the school community. Pupils feel safe and confident in reporting any worries to staff.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that curriculum planning clearly outlines the sequence of knowledge acquisition and that teachers employ strategies to help pupils retain their learning over time. Additionally, there is a need to enhance pupils' understanding of fundamental British values and world faiths to better prepare them for life in modern Britain. Overall, Ashby Willesley Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
