Girton Glebe Primary School is located in the village of Girton, Cambridge, and has recently undergone an inspection that rated its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on September 13 and 14, 2022, and it was the first routine inspection since the school joined the Eastern Learning Alliance multi-academy trust in September 2020. The school has experienced significant changes in leadership and staffing since October 2021, which has raised some concerns among a small number of parents regarding stability.
Pupils at Girton Glebe Primary School demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their school and are generally happy and motivated to learn. The school offers a broad and varied curriculum that meets the high expectations set by the staff. This positive learning environment extends to the youngest children, who have recently started school. Safety is a priority, and pupils feel secure, knowing they can approach adults with any concerns. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and any unkind behavior is promptly addressed by school leaders. The relationships among pupils are characterized by kindness and respect, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where differences are celebrated.
The school provides a range of after-school clubs, such as cake club, choir, and art club, which help develop pupils' talents and interests. While most parents express satisfaction with their children's experiences, some have voiced a desire for more stability in staffing following recent changes.
Leaders at Girton Glebe have designed an ambitious curriculum that outlines the knowledge and skills intended for pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is being effectively implemented, with a focus on small steps to enhance retention and understanding. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge, supported by effective training and regular assessments of pupils' understanding. The reading curriculum is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with leaders' intentions and benefits pupils at various stages of reading development.
Pupils with special educational needs receive well-planned support, allowing them to access the curriculum and achieve commendable progress. The early years provision has been successful, with children settling into school well due to personalized transition arrangements. The early years curriculum is designed to introduce and embed new concepts and language effectively.
The school's behavior management systems are well understood and consistently applied by staff. While leaders have systems for recording and addressing concerns about pupils, there is room for improvement in analyzing this information to identify patterns. Pupils benefit from additional opportunities, such as residential trips and local visits, which enhance their learning experiences.
The local governing body and board of trustees fulfill their statutory duties and are well-informed to challenge leaders about curriculum strengths and weaknesses. However, the information provided to governors regarding behavior and attendance needs to be more detailed to enable effective oversight. Staff appreciate the support from governors in managing workload and accessing training, and parents generally hold a positive view of the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Girton Glebe are effective, with staff receiving training to ensure pupil safety. Leaders promptly address concerns, and support from external agencies is well-matched to pupil needs. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe in various contexts.
To improve, leaders must ensure that all curriculum leaders continue to monitor the retention of knowledge among pupils and the impact of the curriculum. Additionally, enhancing the detail of information shared with governors regarding behavior and attendance will enable more robust challenges to leadership. Overall, Girton Glebe Primary School is a supportive and effective learning environment that prioritizes pupil well-being and academic success.
