Speenhamland School, located in Pelican Lane, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1NU, underwent a significant transformation since its last inspection, where it was rated as Requires Improvement. The recent inspection highlighted the school's progress, with all key areas now rated as Good. This includes the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The leadership team at Speenhamland School demonstrates a strong commitment to their vision: We aspire, we challenge, we support. The school fosters an inclusive community where every pupil is encouraged to achieve their personal best, regardless of their individual needs. The values of resilience, resourcefulness, risk-taking, responsibility, and respect are integral to the school culture, guiding pupils in their daily interactions.
Pupils are actively involved in leadership roles, such as games captains and school councillors, which helps them develop essential interpersonal skills. The school also engages in charity work, allowing students to contribute positively to the wider community. Notably, all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are included in all school activities, including adventurous residential trips.
Behaviour at Speenhamland is commendable, with a system in place that rewards positive actions. Pupils receive dragon eggs for demonstrating school values, and instances of disruptive behaviour are rare. The school promotes equality and celebrates diversity, with pupils expressing a desire to treat everyone fairly and inclusively.
Strengths of the School:
Curriculum Design: Leaders have crafted a curriculum that encompasses essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary across all subjects. Teachers provide ample opportunities for pupils to revisit previous learning, ensuring a solid foundation for future studies.
Focus on Reading and Mathematics: The school prioritizes early reading and phonics, with consistent delivery across all classes. Pupils enjoy reading, and those who struggle receive targeted support. The mathematics curriculum is ambitious, allowing for the extension of pupils' learning.
Support for SEND Pupils: The school is dedicated to ensuring that pupils with SEND have access to quality learning experiences. The Keevill Unit, which caters to pupils with physical disabilities, is well-resourced and effectively integrated into the main school environment.
Behaviour Management: The school implements a clear and consistent behaviour management strategy, which is well understood by pupils and staff alike. Individual plans are in place for those needing additional support, demonstrating a strong understanding of each pupil's needs.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Pupils have access to a variety of clubs and activities that promote their mental and physical well-being. The return of competitive sports post-COVID-19 has been particularly beneficial for student engagement.
Areas for Improvement:
Utilization of Assessment Information: In some subjects, staff do not consistently use assessment data to inform future teaching. This inconsistency can hinder pupil achievement. Leaders should ensure that teachers leverage assessment information to tailor learning opportunities more precisely.
Mathematics Achievement: While the mathematics curriculum is ambitious, past inconsistencies have affected pupil performance. Leaders need to build on existing initiatives to ensure all pupils become confident mathematicians, well-prepared for future educational stages.
Safeguarding:
The safeguarding arrangements at Speenhamland School are effective. Leaders and governors understand their responsibilities in ensuring the safety of pupils and staff. Regular training equips staff to identify and respond to potential concerns, and clear record-keeping practices are in place. The curriculum also includes lessons on keeping safe, including online safety.
Conclusion:
Speenhamland School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas. With a strong leadership team, a commitment to inclusivity, and a focus on personal development, the school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement. By addressing the identified areas for growth, Speenhamland can further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
School Details:
- Unique Reference Number: 143999
- Local Authority: West Berkshire
- Type of School: Primary
- Age Range of Pupils: 4 to 11
- Number of Pupils on Roll: 284
- Website: Speenhamland Primary School
For further information or to provide feedback, parents can use Ofsted Parent View to share their opinions about the school.
