Victoria Primary School, located in Nottingham, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its inspection in June 2019. The headteacher, supported by senior leaders and the Nova Education Trust, has made significant improvements since the school's establishment in 2016. The leadership team demonstrates outstanding effectiveness, with leaders possessing strong expertise in their respective areas. They provide staff with high-quality professional development, which has been crucial in ensuring good teaching across the school. Governors are actively involved, frequently visiting the school to monitor pupil progress and understand the school's strengths and weaknesses. Parents and carers express positive views about the school, acknowledging the improvements in teaching quality and the care their children receive.
In the early years, children make a good start, with knowledgeable staff who are ambitious for their success. Pupils in key stages one and two also show good progress, although writing skills lag behind those in reading and mathematics. Some pupils, particularly boys, struggle with spelling, punctuation, and grammar, which affects the quality of their written work. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects, but there are areas, such as science and design technology, where the challenge could be increased for all pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support and make good progress.
The school prioritizes pupils' emotional well-being, with a pastoral team that effectively supports their personal development. Pupils demonstrate good behavior, are friendly, and feel safe in their environment. They embody the school's values of hard work and kindness, learning and playing harmoniously together. However, attendance rates are above the national average, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
To further enhance the school's performance, several areas for improvement have been identified. The curriculum and teaching in science and design technology need to be developed to provide sufficient challenge for all pupils and to strengthen their recall of learned material. Additionally, there is a need to improve writing progress, particularly for boys, and to reduce absence rates to align with national averages.
The leadership and management of the school are characterized by a clear vision and rigorous accountability. The headteacher has provided inspirational leadership, and staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported in their roles. The local governing body has a good understanding of the school's challenges and successes, contributing to effective governance.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of vigilance among staff regarding pupil safety. The school provides a curriculum that includes important information on keeping safe and healthy, ensuring pupils are well-informed about potential risks. Pupils feel confident in seeking support from trusted adults within the school.
Overall, Victoria Primary School has made significant strides since its opening, with a strong focus on improving teaching quality and pupil outcomes. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes in the future.
