Eleanor Palmer Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive in this nurturing and supportive school. The school develops pupils' knowledge and confidence through a rich curriculum and thought-provoking experiences. Pupils excel in their learning.

This is because the school has high academic ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are rightly very proud of the work that they produce in different subjects. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They listen attentively, are highly motivated and show respect and kindness towards adults and each other. From early years onwards, pupil...s learn to identify emotions and adopt a mindset with which they see challenges or setbacks as a way to get better at something.

This is a core part of the curriculum that pupils experience. For example, in physical education (PE), pupils strive to beat their own records in a three-lap challenge. Pupils celebrate the school's diversity and know that everyone is welcome.

The school promotes responsibility and independence in pupils, starting from early years. For example, in Reception, children rotate as class monitors. Older pupils keenly serve as reading buddies for younger ones.

The school places great importance on boosting confidence and communication through developing pupils' fluency in expressing themselves. Pupils articulate their views and consider others' perspectives exceptionally well.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has designed a highly ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including pupils with SEND.

Leaders have thoughtfully selected the concepts, vocabulary and skills that pupils need to learn. Pupils develop exceptionally detailed knowledge across the curriculum, which they recall with ease. What pupils are taught is sequenced effectively from early years onwards to allow pupils to build their learning cumulatively.

For example, in mathematics, children in Reception learn about how numbers work, building a deep understanding of numbers to 10. Older pupils use this growing knowledge of number to solve increasingly complex problems. Similarly, in PE, younger pupils learn how to identify, use and move towards space safely when walking and jogging.

Older pupils use this skill as they learn how to defend and attack in a range of sports.

High-quality training ensures that staff build subject expertise and present knowledge clearly. Teachers check pupils' understanding carefully.

Any errors or misconceptions are routinely identified and corrected. This helps pupils to develop a depth of knowledge and understanding across different subjects.

The school encourages a love of reading across all year groups.

Staff are well trained in the agreed phonics programme, teaching and modelling sounds with precision. Regular assessment allows staff to identify and address any gaps in pupils' phonic knowledge. Books are carefully matched to the sounds that pupils are learning.

This helps to ensure that pupils decode and read fluently. Leaders select ambitious texts to ensure that each year group is exposed to a broad and rich range of literature.

Pupils with SEND are swiftly identified.

Regular training is provided for staff on how to help pupils to access the ambitious curriculum. Pupils receive appropriately personalised support, including through high-quality interactions with staff. Pupils with SEND are fully included in the life of the school.

Pupils behave exceptionally well around the school. This is because expectations are clear and are consistently applied. The school has carefully planned playtimes.

Pupils use these times to engage sensibly with a range of different activities. From early years, children learn to show a focused attitude towards their learning. They treat others with respect.

Pupils receive appropriate support on the rare occasions when their behaviour or attendance does not match the high expectations of staff.

The school has established a comprehensive and age-appropriate programme to support pupils' personal development. This well-being curriculum focuses on healthy living and provides pupils with a rich set of opportunities to develop their talents and interests.

Pupils attend many clubs, including for various sports, vocal tuition and spelling. They also take on responsibilities such as those of diversity champions and reading buddies. Each pupil is encouraged to have a voice in school life and be part of 'The Big School Meeting'.

Through this, pupils collaborate to address important school topics. Their votes on these topics have had a positive impact on the school environment, even influencing decisions such as the flooring selected for the premises. Intertwined in the curriculum are purposeful educational outings, visits and workshops that enrich the pupils' education further.

Staff are exceptionally positive about working at Eleanor Palmer. They particularly appreciate the efforts made to reduce unnecessary workload and support their well-being. Staff at all levels feel that the school invests in their development.

This includes a personalised approach to the support that individual staff may need. A knowledgeable governing body provides appropriate levels of challenge and support.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.