Tarvin Primary School, located in Chester, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 13 and 14, 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy their learning and achieve well. Students find lessons engaging and benefit from various educational visits, including trips to the zoo. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, such as music, sports, and nature clubs, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Recent community exhibitions, like Our Planet, have also been well-received by the pupils.
Parents and carers express high satisfaction with the school, particularly appreciating the support provided to children with special educational needs and disabilities. They commend the staff for their dedication and willingness to assist pupils. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, fostering an atmosphere where pupils are attentive, respectful, and supportive of one another. This is evident during assemblies, where students celebrate the achievements of their peers.
In the Reception Year, children display confidence and friendliness, demonstrating strong communication skills despite some social development challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They make significant progress in early reading and writing. Pupils understand the importance of tolerance and friendship, and they respect the school's approach to handling bullying and unkind behavior. Overall, students take pride in their school community.
The school has made notable strides since joining the Sandstone Academy Trust in 2020. The leadership team, including the head of school and executive headteacher, collaborates effectively to enhance the school's operations. However, there is a recognized need to improve communication with parents regarding the benefits of being part of the trust.
Leaders are committed to continuous improvement, investing in staff training to enhance the curriculum. For instance, ongoing professional development has strengthened teachers' abilities to deliver subjects like French. The focus on reading is particularly strong, with staff receiving training to support effective phonics instruction. Younger pupils benefit from targeted reading and writing instruction, although there is room for improvement in ensuring that older pupils transition smoothly from the reading scheme to independent reading.
The curriculum is well-structured, with subject leaders working closely with staff to evaluate and adapt content as needed. This systematic approach ensures that pupils gain a comprehensive understanding of subjects over time. Assessment practices are effective, allowing staff to identify areas where pupils may need additional support.
In the early years, children engage in enjoyable activities that promote physical development, such as using the climbing wall and outdoor areas. The collaboration between early years staff and subject leaders ensures that the foundation laid in Reception prepares children well for future learning.
Pupils with special educational needs are included in all aspects of school life, receiving appropriate support from staff. While some parents have expressed concerns about the quality of education for these pupils, the inspection found that leaders are effectively collaborating with staff and external agencies to provide necessary support.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of fairness and actively participate in school governance through the school council. They exhibit respectful behavior towards adults and peers, contributing to a positive school culture. Despite some disruptions in one Year 6 class, leaders are taking steps to mitigate the impact on learning.
The school's safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential issues. Leaders work closely with external organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, Tarvin Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the needs of its students while continuously striving for improvement.
