Edlesborough Primary Academy, located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with specific areas of strength identified in behavior and attitudes, which were deemed outstanding. The quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as early years provision, were all rated good. The headteacher, Jennifer Peel, leads the school, which is part of the Knowledge Schools Trust, overseen by CEO Ian Hunter and chaired by Suzie Hobart.
Pupils at Edlesborough Primary Academy demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning and consistently meet the school's high expectations for behavior. They express confidence in discussing their learning and take pride in their achievements. The school's values of kindness, inclusivity, scholarship, inspiration, and resilience are effectively instilled in the students. The school offers a variety of engaging activities, including cooking over fires and a recent theme week focused on neurodiversity, which has fostered a respectful understanding of differences among pupils.
The school community, including parents and carers, expresses high satisfaction with the school's efforts. Parents appreciate the supportive environment that allows their children to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers regularly provide opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning and make connections across subjects, ensuring that all students can achieve well.
However, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the nursery curriculum, which is not as robust as in other year groups. While the early years curriculum supports independent choices and positive attitudes, some essential knowledge for children, especially those aged two, is not explicitly defined. This gap may hinder their preparedness for future learning. Additionally, in a few foundation subjects, the implementation of the curriculum is inconsistent, affecting the depth of knowledge pupils acquire.
Despite these challenges, pupils excel in most subjects, with teachers effectively delivering lessons that align with curricular goals. Teachers are generally adept at identifying misconceptions and ensuring pupils grasp new concepts. Nonetheless, there are instances where teachers' subject knowledge could be strengthened, leading to inconsistencies in learning across the curriculum.
Reading instruction is a priority at Edlesborough Primary Academy, with staff teaching phonics effectively. Pupils who struggle with phonics receive timely support, and the enthusiasm for reading is evident among students. They enjoy engaging with stories, songs, and rhymes, and older pupils can recite poetry with expression.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness and respect towards peers and staff. The school environment is conducive to learning, with clear expectations for behavior. Personal development is well-supported, with opportunities for pupils to learn about diverse lives and beliefs, as well as to take on responsibilities within the school community.
Staff members express pride in their work at the school, appreciating the collaborative environment and support for their professional development. The local governing body and trustees provide effective oversight, ensuring that the school is well-managed and continuously improving.
The safeguarding arrangements at Edlesborough Primary Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school has many strengths, addressing the identified areas for improvement will further enhance the educational experience for all students.
