May Park Primary School, located in Eastville, Bristol, was inspected on November 8 and 9, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also marked as needing improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
The principal, Gina De N’Yeurt, leads the school, which is part of the Excalibur Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Nicky Edmondson and a board of trustees chaired by Toby Watson. The school serves a diverse community and aims to create a happy, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all pupils. Staff members are dedicated to the well-being of students, fostering supportive relationships with both pupils and their families. Most parents and carers express satisfaction with the nurturing atmosphere and the support provided by the staff.
While the school has made strides in early years education, where children learn effectively, it has struggled to provide a rigorous curriculum for pupils in key stages one and two. This has resulted in many pupils not achieving their full potential. Recent efforts to enhance the curriculum have been hampered by leadership and staffing changes. The school has begun to implement a more ambitious curriculum, but it is still in the early stages, and assessment practices are under development. Consequently, many pupils have gaps in their learning.
The early years curriculum is engaging and effectively develops children's skills and knowledge. Activities are designed to spark curiosity and interest, such as fine motor skill development through practical tasks. The school collaborates closely with parents and specialists to tailor teaching and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the curriculum is still being refined to better meet the needs of these pupils.
Reading is a priority at May Park Primary School, with a systematic phonics program recently introduced. Pupils practice reading regularly to enhance their fluency and comprehension. They have access to a wide range of books and enjoy listening to stories read by adults. The school provides additional support for pupils who need to catch up, which has shown some positive impact on their confidence and accuracy. However, phonics instruction does not consistently align with individual pupils' needs, leading to some students not developing secure knowledge.
The school has made significant improvements in pupil behavior and attitudes towards learning since joining the trust. Leaders provide sensitive support for pupils with complex needs, fostering a positive learning environment. Most pupils exhibit good listening skills and follow instructions well, contributing to a calm atmosphere with minimal disruption.
Despite efforts to promote regular attendance, some pupils still miss school frequently, which hinders their educational progress. The school actively works with parents to address attendance issues. Enrichment opportunities, such as author visits and cultural activities, enhance the curriculum and broaden pupils' experiences.
The school effectively supports pupils' personal development, encouraging them to contribute to their community and understand the importance of kindness and diversity. Safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To improve, the school must expedite the implementation of its ambitious curriculum and ensure that it is effectively assessed to address gaps in pupils' learning. Additionally, addressing attendance barriers is crucial for maximizing educational opportunities for all students.
