Grimes Dyke Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils say they are happy and feel safe. This is because lessons are fun and adults are friendly and look after them well. Everyone feels part of 'Team GD'.

Leaders and governors are ambitious for every child. They have high expectations of what each pupil can achieve. This has not always been the case.

Many pupils have not been ready for the next stage of their education in the past. However, improvements have been made since the previous Ofsted inspection. As a result, pupils who are currently in the school are doing very well.

Pupils behave well in lessons, when moving around school and outside. Pupils are thoughtful and polite. They make sure that new pup...ils have someone to play with.

A very small minority of pupils sometimes find it hard to manage their behaviour. Adults make sure this does not prevent other pupils from learning and playing. A few pupils told us that when bullying does happen, adults make sure it does not carry on.

There are many opportunities for pupils to learn new skills. Some pupils were very excited about learning to play steel pans. They are looking forward to performing at the end of term.

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

Expectations of what pupils can do have risen significantly at Grimes Dyke. Leaders have changed the culture of the school. They have a clear and ambitious vision of what they want pupils to achieve.

This has brought about substantial improvement in what pupils know and can do in all national curriculum subjects.

Reading is a high priority. Leaders have redesigned the curriculum, with reading at the centre.

It is part of every subject. Teachers read to pupils every day. They choose exciting texts which help pupils learn more about the subjects they study.

As a result, pupils enjoy reading and they are acquiring an impressive range of vocabulary.

The school has changed the way that phonics is taught. This has paid off.

Children in the early years get off to a flying start. Teachers make sure that everyone keeps up. Children have reading books that match the sounds they already know.

Adults are very good at helping children to use these sounds to read new words. There are a number of pupils in Year 1 who have gaps in their knowledge. These pupils are getting the help they need to catch up.

Leaders have chosen mathematics training and resources carefully. As a result, teachers plan activities that help pupils to learn and remember more. Pupils use the number facts they know and their mathematical skills to work out challenging problems.

Those pupils who lag behind in mathematics have extra support to help them to catch up.The curriculum is broad. Subject leaders have made sure that the curriculum helps pupils to build on what they already know.

In history, the curriculum is sequenced in time order. This helps pupils to make sense of different time periods. They make connections between things that happened in the past and the present day.

For example, they talked about the suffragettes and said that women have been able to vote for a long time now. In some subjects, such as art and design technology, plans are not as detailed as in other subjects. Leaders have plans in place to further develop these subjects.

Teachers plan exciting activities and trips to broaden pupils' experience and knowledge. For example, in science, pupils 'travelled' into outer space using virtual reality headsets.

Some children join the Nursery class with speech and social skills that are low for their age.

Staff are skilled in modelling language and developing vocabulary. As a result, by the time they join the Reception class most children are able to communicate confidently. Teachers provide opportunities for children to explore and learn independently.

For example, in the 'Elves and the Shoemaker shoe shop' children were counting money and measuring feet.

Pupils with SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities) get the right support to help them take part in everything the school has to offer. As a result, they make good progress.

Leaders work hard to make sure that parents and carers understand the importance of regular attendance. This has improved slightly this year. However, attendance rates remain below national figures.

Pupils show understanding and respect for people who are different to them. They are keen to help others. They take part in many fundraising activities to help those in need.

For example, a group of pupils were concerned about the fires in Australia. They made posters, led an assembly and collected money to help.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There are appropriate procedures in place to keep pupils safe. Staff receive regular safeguarding training. They are vigilant and report any concerns immediately.

Leaders take swift action and are tenacious in seeking help when it is needed.

Pupils learn about the risks they face and know who to go to if they need help. Year 6 pupils delivered a presentation to parents about online safety.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

Curriculum plans are not yet sufficiently detailed in every subject. However, it is clear from the actions that leaders have already taken to develop the curriculum in some subjects that they are in the process of bringing this about. Current outline plans do show what must be taught in each subject in each year group.

However, in some subjects, such as art and design technology, plans need to be expanded upon so that they give more detail. . Attendance needs to improve further.

Leaders work hard to maintain the current level of attendance. They need to continue to remove the barriers that are preventing improvements in attendance. This includes helping parents to understand the importance of regular attendance and punctuality.