Arnesby Church of England Primary School, located in Leicester, underwent its first inspection by Ofsted on September 19 and 20, 2023, since becoming an academy in April 2019. The school, which serves children aged 3 to 11, is part of the Embrace Multi-Academy Trust. The inspection concluded that the overall effectiveness of the school requires improvement, along with the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The headteacher, Ruth James, has recently taken on her role, and the school is experiencing a period of transition. While pupils express happiness about attending school and feel safe, the inspection revealed that the curriculum is not yet fully developed. Some subjects lack adequate planning, which hinders pupils from acquiring the necessary knowledge across the curriculum. Although trust leaders have raised expectations and provided support, the implementation of the curriculum remains inconsistent.
Pupils are beginning to engage in new roles of responsibility, such as participating in the school council, and they are actively involved in community activities, including rehearsing for a local dance show. However, parents and carers have mixed feelings about the school, acknowledging a recent period of turbulence but expressing confidence in the new leadership.
The curriculum planning is still in its early stages, with some subjects, like mathematics, having clear learning objectives, while others do not. Subject leaders are new to their roles and are still developing the necessary expertise. Teachers struggle to effectively assess what pupils know and understand, leading to gaps in learning that impede progress. In the early years, children settle into routines quickly and demonstrate good behavior, but the broader curriculum lacks consistency, sometimes failing to support independent thinking and preparation for future learning.
Reading is prioritized, with a structured phonics program in place. Staff have received training, and pupils who require additional support are identified and assisted promptly. Most pupils recognize the importance of reading at home, and the school encourages parental involvement in fostering a love for books. However, the curriculum does not yet adequately cater to the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils not attending regularly, which affects their learning. The school is implementing programs to help pupils manage their emotions and improve attendance, particularly among disadvantaged students. The personal development curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to learn about different religions, but it does not sufficiently cover fundamental British values, leaving pupils unprepared for aspects of life in modern Britain.
Leaders are aware of the necessary improvements and are beginning to implement changes. Staff feel supported in their roles, and there is a shared understanding of the need for development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized.
To improve, the school must focus on developing a well-structured curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds. Professional development for subject leaders is essential to enhance their leadership capabilities. Additionally, teachers need to improve their assessment practices to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge effectively. The early years curriculum requires a review to ensure clarity in learning objectives and consistency in implementation. Finally, the school must work on strategies to improve attendance rates, particularly for those who are persistently absent, to ensure that all pupils receive the education they deserve. Overall, while the school has a strong foundation and a caring environment, significant work is needed to enhance its educational offerings and outcomes for all students.
