Mountbatten Primary School, located in Hull, East Yorkshire, has undergone a thorough inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on December 7 and 8, 2021, and the school has not been previously inspected under the Education Act 2005. The leadership team is ambitious and has systematically improved the school, leading to enhancements in the quality of education provided to pupils. Staff members appreciate the high-quality training they receive and take pride in their work at the school.
The school environment is characterized by respectful relationships between adults and pupils, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere. Pupils enjoy attending school and express a willingness to recommend it to their friends. They demonstrate sensible behavior while moving around the school and engage enthusiastically in class discussions. The school encourages independence from an early age, fostering a supportive community where pupils help each other with their work.
Pupils feel safe at school and understand the importance of respecting diverse views and backgrounds. They learn about internet safety and know whom to approach if they feel unsafe. While behavior is generally good, a small minority of pupils exhibit challenging behaviors, which staff manage effectively. The school offers a variety of clubs that are well-attended, including a successful computing club that recently won a local competition.
In the early years, children settle quickly into the school environment, which is inviting and well-organized. The curriculum has been reviewed to ensure that it builds on prior knowledge, with a strong emphasis on early mathematics and reading. Children begin learning to read as soon as they enter the school, and staff are well-trained in this area. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support, ensuring that reading materials align with their learning needs.
Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, and leaders have carefully considered what is essential for pupils to learn in each subject. Curriculum plans are well-sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge year after year. However, there are concerns regarding the quality of handwriting across the school, as many pupils struggle with letter formation, making their work difficult to read.
Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide good support for staff, with clear systems in place to monitor the effectiveness of teaching. Teachers regularly assess what pupils have learned, but there are inconsistencies in how well some teachers check for understanding during lessons. This can lead to pupils being unable to complete tasks if they do not fully grasp the instructions.
The school has effective systems for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, working closely with external professionals to provide necessary assistance. Pupils participate in various activities beyond their immediate experiences, including the Mountbatten 50 challenges and a residential visit to Robinwood, which promotes collaboration and new experiences.
The school fosters a strong team culture, with new teachers receiving ample support. Leaders are mindful of teachers' workloads, allowing them to focus on planning engaging lessons. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with thorough checks ensuring staff suitability and regular training provided to keep everyone informed about safeguarding practices.
Overall, while Mountbatten Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in handwriting instruction and ensuring that all teachers consistently check for pupil understanding during lessons.
