Gentleshaw Primary Academy is a welcoming and friendly school located in Rugeley, Staffordshire. The school fosters positive relationships among adults, pupils, and their families, creating a nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and cared for. Since returning to school after the pandemic, leaders have made significant efforts to strengthen these relationships, exemplified by the organization of a community event called G-Fest, which helped pupils transition back into school life. Pupils exhibit good behavior during lessons, transitions, and playtimes, demonstrating politeness and a caring attitude towards one another. The older pupils support younger ones through a buddying program, reinforcing the school's caring ethos. In instances of bullying, pupils are confident that staff will address issues promptly.
The school offers a diverse range of opportunities that enrich the curriculum, promoting pupils' confidence and sense of responsibility. For example, some pupils take on roles as pupil leaders and eco-warriors, which they approach with pride and seriousness. Leaders have cultivated a culture where staff feel valued and involved in decision-making regarding the quality of education. Teachers and teaching assistants collaborate in curriculum teams, which has positively impacted staff morale.
Curriculum leaders have thoughtfully organized the sequence in which pupils learn essential facts and ideas. They have outlined the critical information that pupils need to remember each term and year across most subjects, including the early years curriculum. This structured approach supports pupils in making progress and learning effectively. In subjects like mathematics, reading, and science, curriculum plans clearly delineate the knowledge pupils should retain, enabling teachers to assess understanding accurately. However, in some subjects, such as history, the plans are less precise, which can hinder pupils' learning. Leaders are aware of this issue and have strategies in place to enhance the curriculum further.
The school promotes a love of reading by selecting high-quality texts for lessons and encouraging staff to share book recommendations with pupils. This initiative inspires pupils to explore a variety of stories from different authors. The approach to teaching early reading is well-structured, with younger pupils receiving daily phonics lessons and regular reading sessions with adults. This consistent practice helps all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, improve their reading skills over time. However, some staff members are new to teaching phonics, and leaders have identified the need for additional support to enhance their expertise in this area.
The designated leader for pupils with special educational needs ensures that these pupils receive appropriate support when needed. Staff have been trained to assist pupils with specific needs, enabling all pupils to access the curriculum effectively. Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning, enjoy attending school, and demonstrate regular attendance. Children in the early years work collaboratively and purposefully, while older pupils engage attentively in lessons. Occasionally, some pupils may lose focus, but teachers respond quickly to redirect their attention.
Leaders effectively promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural awareness through the curriculum. Pupils, including those in the early years, appreciate learning about diverse relationships, faiths, and cultures, preparing them for life in modern Britain. The trust overseeing the school provides effective support and challenge to leaders, ensuring accountability through rigorous governance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Gentleshaw Primary Academy are effective, with a strong emphasis on creating a culture of safety. Leaders maintain a vigilant approach to safeguarding, ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to protect children. Staff are well-informed about these procedures and are attentive to potential concerns, fostering a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Gentleshaw Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive atmosphere for its pupils.
