Elstow School, located in Bedfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils feel happy and well cared for. They demonstrate friendliness and confidence in discussing the school’s values, particularly their motto of work hard and be nice. The school has a strong sense of community, with pupils eager to start their day and quickly settling into their learning activities, ensuring that no time is wasted.
The school has experienced growth, leading to a waiting list for most year groups. Leaders have developed a curriculum that aligns with high expectations for all pupils, resulting in good-quality work and increasing success in national assessments. Respect and good manners are evident among pupils, who understand the recently introduced behavior policy and appreciate the rewards associated with it. They are aware of what constitutes bullying and trust that adults will address any issues they may encounter.
Safety is a top priority at Elstow School, with staff actively supporting parents and carers during drop-off times. Parents express high regard for the support and welfare guidance provided by school leaders. The principal and leadership team have made thoughtful changes to the curriculum, with teachers delivering lessons skillfully and demonstrating expertise across various subjects. Staff members take pride in their work and appreciate the consideration given to their workload.
Reading is a focal point, with leaders aiming for every child to become a fluent reader. Children begin learning to read as soon as they start school, and those in early years are reading well. Recent changes to the phonics program have led to improved spelling skills among key stage one pupils, with phonics results in Year 1 exceeding the national average for two consecutive years. The reading curriculum in key stage two is also well-structured, with pupils engaging with a variety of texts and demonstrating comprehension skills across subjects.
Mathematics has been identified as an area needing improvement, as previous cohorts did not achieve expected standards by the end of Year 6. Leaders have revised the mathematics curriculum to ensure logical sequencing of content and have provided quality training for staff to enhance their subject knowledge. Teachers effectively utilize resources and adapt learning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering confidence in tackling complex mathematical problems.
Pupils enjoy a range of extracurricular activities that promote personal and social development, including sports events and educational trips. However, leaders recognize the need for more opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge at greater depth. Changes in the teaching of mathematics in early years are still being implemented, with plans in place for further improvements.
The governing body and trust board maintain an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing necessary support and challenge to ensure ongoing progress. Safeguarding measures are effective, with well-trained staff able to identify potential concerns and work collaboratively with other professionals to prioritize pupil safety and welfare. The school’s commitment to personal, social, emotional, and health education equips pupils with the knowledge to keep themselves safe, particularly regarding the use of mobile phones.
Overall, Elstow School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education, with a focus on continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
