Crudgington Primary School, located in Telford, Shropshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 28, 2023. The headteacher, Adam Ames, leads the school, which is part of the Learning Community Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Jane Hughes and a board of trustees chaired by Michael Briscoe. The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of pride, passion, and purpose among its pupils, who believe that these values help them improve in their educational journey. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and many parents echo this sentiment.
Pupils at Crudgington Primary School consistently strive to do their best and adhere to the school’s rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. They appreciate the support provided by adults in the school and are aware of the measures in place to ensure their safety, including the involvement of a group known as the super safeguarding squad. The school emphasizes the importance of teamwork and responsibility, encouraging students to participate in various groups such as the school council and class ambassadors. Additionally, pupils are exposed to different career paths through visiting speakers, which helps them develop aspirations for their futures. Extracurricular activities, including drama, singing, mindfulness, and dance clubs, are also popular among students.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant strides in enhancing its curriculum. The curriculum is well-structured, with a clear focus on key knowledge that pupils are expected to learn and retain. Staff have received training to effectively deliver this curriculum, and they regularly revisit prior learning to reinforce understanding. However, it has been noted that in a few subjects, assessments do not always align with the most critical content that pupils need to learn, leading to occasional gaps in knowledge that can hinder progress.
Subject leaders actively monitor the delivery of their curricula, allowing leaders to identify areas needing improvement. Nonetheless, there is an acknowledgment that actions to address these areas have not always been as prompt as they could be. The school fosters a love of reading from the early years, with children engaging with diverse texts, including poetry and non-fiction. High expectations are set for pupils, who are introduced to challenging literature, and by Year 6, many have developed favorites from renowned authors.
The school prioritizes phonics instruction, with staff well-trained in the phonics program. Pupils receive ample opportunities to practice their reading skills, and those requiring additional support are quickly identified and assisted. The school has effective systems in place to address the needs of pupils with special educational needs, although there are instances where necessary adjustments in lessons are not consistently made, impacting their learning experience.
Attendance is a focus area for the school, and efforts to improve it have yielded positive results. Pupils feel recognized for their attendance, and families needing support receive it promptly. The school also emphasizes the broader development of pupils, integrating opportunities to understand British values and cultural awareness into the curriculum. This holistic approach is complemented by educational trips and visitors that reinforce learning.
The trust leaders and governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s context and challenges, actively working to support staff workload. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while Crudgington Primary School continues to excel in many areas, there are specific aspects related to assessment and support for pupils with special educational needs that require further attention to enhance the educational experience for all students.
