Thurnby St Luke’s Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection conducted on October 26 and 27, 2021. The school provides a positive learning environment where pupils express high levels of happiness and engagement in their education. They demonstrate a strong commitment to the school’s values, which include kindness, thankfulness, forgiveness, aspiration, and perseverance. The pupils feel safe and supported, with a culture of kindness prevalent among them. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils are confident that staff will address any issues promptly.
The leadership team at Thurnby St Luke’s has high expectations for all students and actively collaborates with various partners to enhance the curriculum. This includes a wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, which pupils enjoy. The school council plays an active role in promoting initiatives such as an anti-bullying policy and improving the school environment, demonstrating the pupils' sense of responsibility and pride in their contributions.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some challenges related to recent changes in leadership. Some parents have expressed concerns regarding communication from the school, indicating a need for improvement in this area. Nevertheless, the leadership team is committed to fostering strong partnerships with parents to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.
The school places a strong emphasis on developing confident and independent readers. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception Year, allowing pupils to build their reading fluency effectively. The alignment of reading materials with the phonics taught ensures that pupils make a solid start in their reading journey. The enthusiasm for reading is evident among pupils, who actively discuss their favorite books and authors.
Curriculum planning is well-structured, with clear sequences of intended learning across subjects. However, the full impact of some recently developed plans, particularly in science and design technology, has yet to be realized. Leaders are optimistic that, over time, pupils will retain and apply more knowledge across all subjects. Mathematics instruction is robust, with a well-planned program that supports systematic knowledge building from early years through to upper primary.
In the arts, pupils develop a strong understanding of artistic techniques and vocabulary, which enhances their creative expression. The science curriculum is engaging, with pupils actively participating in lessons and demonstrating their understanding of various concepts. Special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, ensuring that all pupils have access to the same learning opportunities.
The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively, fostering respect and understanding of diversity. Pupils gain knowledge about different faiths and cultures, as well as the principles of democracy and fairness.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety throughout the school. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, ensuring that pupils are protected and feel secure. The school has implemented a curriculum that educates pupils on online safety, further contributing to their well-being.
Overall, Thurnby St Luke’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a dedicated staff and supportive leadership. The commitment to improvement and the well-being of pupils and staff is evident, ensuring that the school remains a positive and enriching environment for all learners.
