Chestnuts Primary School, located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection in February 2019. The leadership team, under the guidance of a recently appointed headteacher, demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the educational outcomes for all pupils. The headteacher's leadership style is characterized by a robust and relentless approach to enhancing the school's performance. Although outcomes for pupils are improving rapidly, they have not yet reached a good standard across all areas, particularly in mathematics.
The senior leadership team and governors possess a solid understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses, and they have established effective plans to address ongoing challenges. Teaching quality has improved significantly, leading to good progress for most pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the progress in mathematics remains less robust compared to reading and writing. The school has also seen improvements in the achievement of the most able pupils, although they still do not consistently reach their full potential.
The Year 1 phonics screening check results have historically been below the national average, but recent efforts indicate a positive trend in improvement. The school is known for its inclusive environment, welcoming a high number of pupils with special educational needs, and ensuring they are fully integrated into school life. The support from the Inspiring Futures through Learning multi-academy trust has played a crucial role in the school's development, with governors effectively challenging and supporting the leadership team.
Pupils' personal development, behavior, and welfare are also rated as good. They exhibit confidence and articulate their thoughts well, expressing enjoyment in their school experience. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Parents and carers have expressed positive feedback regarding the school's pastoral care, noting the dedication of staff in supporting pupils' needs, which has contributed to improved attendance and punctuality.
To further enhance its performance, the school needs to focus on strengthening pupils' progress across all subjects, particularly in mathematics. There is a need to raise teachers' expectations for the most able pupils to ensure a greater proportion achieves the highest standards. Additionally, the school aims to develop its wider curriculum to provide pupils with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects.
The early years provision at Chestnuts Primary School is also rated as good, with children making significant progress due to effective teaching and leadership. The school has implemented strategies to support children's development, particularly in communication and language skills, which has resulted in a strong foundation for their future learning.
Overall, while Chestnuts Primary School has made commendable strides in various areas, ongoing efforts are required to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential and that the school continues to improve its educational offerings. The commitment of the leadership team, staff, and governors, along with the support from parents and the community, will be vital in driving the school towards achieving even higher standards in the future.
