Albert Village Primary School, located in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 23-24, 2019. The school fosters an environment where pupils work diligently and enjoy their learning experiences. The lessons are designed to be engaging, which helps students follow instructions and seek assistance when needed. The school community is characterized by positive interactions among pupils, who demonstrate sensible behavior while moving around the school and during outdoor play. Incidents of bullying are reported to be rare and are addressed promptly, contributing to a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel safe to express their concerns.
The school’s motto, Working our way to wisdom; Learning our way for life, reflects the leadership's commitment to nurturing pupils' confidence and personal growth. This vision is evident in the daily lessons, assemblies, and the relationships fostered within the school. Almost all pupils participate in extracurricular clubs that promote fitness and personal interests, and they look forward to various trips, including a residential week in Bude. The school encourages pupils to engage actively in school life, which enhances their overall experience.
The leadership team has established high expectations for both academic performance and behavior. Pupils strive to meet these expectations, which prepares them well for their transition to secondary education. The school has made significant strides in recent years, with leaders providing high-quality training for staff and ensuring that subject plans clearly outline the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire. This structured approach allows pupils to connect their current learning with past experiences, as seen in subjects like history, where connections are made between different historical periods.
While the school excels in many areas, there are two subjects—computing and French—where the curriculum quality is not as strong. The phonics program implemented at the school provides a solid foundation for reading, starting in Nursery and continuing through Reception. Pupils are encouraged to read at home, and most develop into fluent, confident readers who enjoy literature. The positive reading culture is supported by teachers who share exciting stories in class.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers ensure that these pupils engage with the same or similar tasks as their peers, providing the necessary support to help them succeed. The overall behavior of pupils is commendable, allowing for a focused learning environment. However, attendance rates are below the national average, with some families taking holidays during term time, which the school aims to address by working closely with parents to highlight the importance of consistent attendance.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with Nursery and Reception staff collaborating effectively to help children settle into school life. The use of engaging characters in teaching captures children's interest and makes learning enjoyable. Parents appreciate the care and guidance provided by staff, which supports their children's development.
Pupils are given opportunities to reflect on their learning and share their views, fostering maturity and critical thinking. For instance, discussions in class about ethical issues demonstrate their ability to engage with complex topics. The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of both pupils and staff, ensuring that decisions are made with their best interests in mind.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils receive education on how to keep themselves safe, including lessons on digital safety. They feel confident that staff will listen and support them with any concerns.
To continue improving, the school needs to refine its curriculum for computing and French, ensuring that plans are precise about what pupils should learn. Additionally, addressing attendance issues is crucial for enhancing pupils' academic and personal development. Overall, Albert Village Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
