Greenland Community Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection in November 2019. The leadership and staff have fostered a nurturing and aspirational environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The atmosphere during the visit was calm and purposeful, contributing to the overall positive experience for students. High expectations are set for pupils, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, with leaders actively seeking to enhance teaching methods, especially in phonics and reading. The school has made strides in improving the teaching of other subjects, such as history, with pupils demonstrating a clear understanding of their learning in these areas.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students listening attentively and working cooperatively in lessons. They exhibit friendliness during playtimes and are polite and well-mannered. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils express confidence in the support they receive from staff regarding any concerns. Parents and carers have a positive view of the school, appreciating the support provided to help their children grow in confidence. Many students participate in after-school clubs, enjoying the variety of activities offered.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential, with effective planning and support for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teaching in reading and mathematics is well-structured, contributing to positive outcomes for pupils. However, leaders are not complacent and have identified areas for further development in reading instruction. The school has enhanced the profile of reading, creating attractive reading areas in classrooms and engaging pupils during daily story times.
While efforts are being made to match younger pupils' reading materials to their phonics abilities, there are challenges in effectively supporting the least able pupils. Recent training in phonics teaching has been provided to staff, and new phonics-based books have been acquired to support this initiative. Leaders have clear plans to implement these improvements effectively.
The curriculum development is underway, with leaders mapping out their intentions for various subjects. Progress has been made in history, where a revised planning approach is positively impacting pupil learning. However, other subjects, such as modern foreign languages, are still in the development phase. The school has successfully established a strong foundation for early learners in Reception, with staff effectively planning learning to meet children's needs.
Pupils' personal development is a notable strength, with numerous opportunities for growth through visits, after-school clubs, and community engagement. The school promotes citizenship qualities through various initiatives, including charity fundraising and teaching about diversity. Pupil parliament and other leadership roles help students understand democracy and their responsibilities within the school community.
The headteacher, supported by the acting headteacher, provides strong leadership with a clear vision for the school. Improvement plans align with the school's priorities, and while some subject leaders are new to their roles, training is being provided to enhance their leadership skills. Staff workload and well-being are considered during the implementation of changes, and parental engagement is high.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and address safeguarding risks, and leaders work diligently to secure support for pupils and their families. The school monitors the destinations of pupils who leave to ensure they do not go missing from education.
To further improve, leaders aim to enhance pupils' reading outcomes through ongoing staff training and the effective use of new resources. The curriculum review is ongoing, with a focus on developing a clear sequence of learning in all subjects. Subject leaders are encouraged to develop their skills in monitoring improvements in their areas. Overall, Greenland Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
