Greenfields Primary School, located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 10-11, 2020. The school aims to prepare pupils for life, ensuring they feel safe and enjoy their time at school. Pupils actively contribute to their school community and appreciate the swift action taken by staff in addressing any instances of bullying or unkind behavior. The school promotes the Greenfields way, which emphasizes being ready to learn, respectful to others, and staying safe. Pupils understand and embrace these principles, striving to achieve the Darwin Values, which encourage positive behavior and aspirations.
Leadership and staff at Greenfields are ambitious and dedicated to helping pupils achieve well. While pupils perform admirably in mathematics, there is room for improvement in their overall performance. Writing is encouraged across various subjects, yet there is potential for pupils to engage in more extensive and in-depth writing. The school excels in sports and physical education, having received a prestigious platinum award for its achievements in this area.
The school demonstrates effective leadership and governance, providing a curriculum that supports good progress for pupils. Teachers ensure that pupils in mixed-age classes do not repeat work when advancing to the next year. They utilize knowledge organizers to help pupils grasp key skills and vocabulary relevant to each subject. The staff offers a stimulating range of activities that positively impact pupils' learning, including effective use of the outdoor woodland area. Initiatives like Welly Wednesdays for early years children provide exciting opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Phonics skills are taught effectively in the early years and key stage one, laying a solid foundation for reading development. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive excellent support, with tailored work to enhance their reading and phonics skills. The school encourages a diverse reading experience, with pupils engaging in various books and genres, fostering a love for reading and writing.
Despite the strengths, there are areas for improvement. In mathematics, while pupils make good progress, teachers need to enhance their questioning techniques to identify gaps in understanding. Some pupils struggle with applying their knowledge to complex problems, indicating a need for more challenging tasks. Additionally, while writing is generally well-structured, there is an opportunity for pupils to write more extensively across all subjects.
Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling well-supported and managing their workloads effectively. The school community, including governors and trustees, fosters an environment where best practices are shared. Most parents express satisfaction with their children's education, highlighting the respectful and courteous behavior exhibited by pupils towards each other and visitors.
The safeguarding arrangements at Greenfields are effective, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported. Staff are well-trained in child protection and know how to report concerns. The early years staff and those managing before- and after-school clubs are also qualified in safeguarding and first aid.
To enhance its performance, the school should focus on improving mathematics outcomes, ensuring that teachers ask the right questions to address misunderstandings. Additionally, there is a need to provide more opportunities for pupils to write at length and in greater depth across the curriculum. Overall, Greenfields Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong foundation for future improvements.
