Parklands Community Primary and Nursery School, located in Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, has been evaluated as a good school overall following its inspection on October 11 and 12, 2022. The school provides a nurturing and welcoming environment where pupils thrive, quickly making friends and settling in well. Leaders at the school have high expectations for pupils, encouraging them to work hard and behave appropriately. The conduct of the pupils reflects the school’s values, emphasizing readiness, respect, and safety. The school has effective measures in place to address any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and valued.
The curriculum at Parklands is ambitious and well-structured, with a focus on important knowledge that pupils are expected to retain by the end of Year 6. Leaders have carefully planned when to introduce and revisit key concepts, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding over time. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the full range of subjects. Staff are well-trained and regularly assess pupils' understanding to ensure effective learning outcomes.
In the early years, the provision is outstanding, with staff demonstrating exceptional skills in fostering positive attitudes towards learning. Children engage enthusiastically with a variety of activities that promote their development across all areas. Reading is prioritized, and staff effectively deliver the reading curriculum, providing pupils with a wide range of texts. While most pupils read fluently and with expression, some younger pupils who struggle with reading do not receive enough practice, which affects their confidence and fluency.
Pupils at Parklands are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being junior safety officers or members of the school parliament, which fosters a sense of pride and community involvement. The school also emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being, providing high levels of care and support. Pupils participate in various activities beyond academics, including trips and visits that enhance their learning experiences.
Despite the overall positive environment, the school faces challenges with attendance, as some pupils do not attend regularly, which hampers their progress. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to support these pupils and their families to improve attendance rates. The governing body is actively involved in supporting and challenging school leaders to maintain high educational standards while being considerate of staff workload.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who promptly identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. The school provides families with a range of support services, ensuring that pupils are well looked after. Overall, Parklands Community Primary and Nursery School is a good school that is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils. The school is well-prepared for future challenges and continues to strive for improvement in all areas of its provision.