Elmhurst School, located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was inspected on November 7 and 8, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of strength and areas needing development identified. The quality of education was also rated as requiring improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. Leadership and management were found to require improvement.
The co-headteachers, Rachel Lee and Kirsty Needham, lead the school, which is part of the Great Learners Trust. The trust is overseen by interim CEO Lorraine Greco and a board of trustees chaired by Alan Rosen. The school has a strong focus on fostering warm and respectful relationships between staff and pupils, contributing to a safe and caring environment. Pupils generally exhibit positive behavior, motivated by rewards such as the Celebration Café, which recognizes their achievements.
In the early years, children achieve well due to a well-sequenced and planned curriculum that emphasizes communication and language skills. However, the ambition for learning in the rest of the school is inconsistently realized, leading to variable learning outcomes across different subjects. While the curriculum is coherent and staff demonstrate expertise in English and mathematics, inconsistencies arise in other subjects where tasks may not align with the planned curriculum, and understanding is not checked with sufficient accuracy.
Reading is prioritized, with staff receiving high-quality training to teach phonics effectively. Pupils receive support if they fall behind, helping them keep pace with their peers. The school also engages parents through workshops to support reading at home, fostering a love for reading among pupils.
Pupils demonstrate respect towards peers and adults, with positive attitudes towards learning. The school has established clear behavioral expectations, and staff effectively implement procedures to maintain a positive atmosphere. The Learning Lounge provision supports vulnerable pupils who may struggle in larger groups, helping them manage their emotions. While attendance has improved, further efforts are needed to ensure all pupils attend regularly.
The school excels in promoting personal development, providing equal access to clubs and experiences. Pupils participate in various trips and activities that enhance their learning, including visits from local organizations. They are encouraged to understand the impact of their actions on others and appreciate diverse viewpoints, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Despite the strengths, the school faces challenges in ensuring consistent curriculum implementation from Year 1 onwards, leading to gaps in learning. The oversight of the curriculum is still developing, with subject leaders needing to better understand pupil learning and retention of key content. The school is committed to making necessary improvements, with staff feeling supported and valued in the process.
In summary, while Elmhurst School has established a positive environment and strong foundations in early years education, it must address inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and attendance to enhance overall effectiveness and ensure all pupils achieve their potential. The commitment of leadership and staff to continuous improvement is evident, and with focused efforts, the school can work towards achieving a higher standard of education for its pupils.
