Grove Vale Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils achieve exceptionally well at this inclusive school. Pupils are happy, well cared for and feel highly valued by their teachers. The whole school community demonstrates the school's motto of 'together we grow'.

Respectful working relationships between staff and pupils lie at the heart of Grove Vale Primary School.

Behaviour across school is exemplary. Pupils are polite and courteous.

They hold doors open for one another and wait politely while others speak. Pupils warmly welcome visitors to their school. They are proud to introduce themselves as the 'Grove Valers'.

The school pays serious attention to pupils' personal development. It offers a b...espoke set of opportunities to pupils through the school's life skills programme. Staff carefully consider what skills pupils need to help them in their future.

For example, pupils learn how to wash a car, cook a basic meal and how to budget money. Pupils greatly appreciate the additional opportunities on offer here. They say they feel lucky and grateful to be part of this school.

The school regularly considers the views of pupils, parents and carers and uses this information to further enhance the curriculum. This includes promoting pupils' talents and interests such as in art and design and sports.

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

The school has high expectations for what all pupils can achieve.

This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged. These high expectations are set from the very start in early years. Pupils achieve very well here.

The ambitious curriculum provides pupils with the knowledge and skills they need across all subject areas. Leaders have thoughtfully designed a curriculum to provide pupils with a rich set of wider opportunities. Pupils' knowledge builds over time in a clear and logical way.

Many pupils join speaking English as an additional language. Developing pupils' oracy and English language skills underpins the curriculum, starting in the early years. Consequently, pupils use subject-specific vocabulary well and construct accurate oral sentences.

Teachers deliver lessons clearly and effectively. They demonstrate strong subject knowledge. The needs of pupils with SEND are very well supported in lessons.

Adults plan activities that are well matched to children's individual learning needs. In addition, any gaps in learning and misconceptions are quickly identified and addressed by staff. Staff promote high-quality verbal interactions with pupils.

In the early years, staff encourage children's early language skills exceptionally well. All of this means pupils learn the intended curriculum effectively.

Reading is strongly encouraged throughout the school.

Pupils take pleasure in reading. The school's staff have thoughtfully chosen key texts and books to align with the curriculum, ensuring they are diverse and inclusive and cover a wide range of topics. Staff are experts at delivering the phonics programme.

Pupils who are falling behind are quickly identified and effective support is put in place. As a result, these pupils catch up. Pupils learn how to read accurately and fluently.

The processes for identifying the needs of pupils with SEND are effective. The school is committed to providing a high-quality and inclusive provision. Staff's professional development to support SEND is prioritised.

The school works closely with local specialist settings and external agencies. Consequently, pupils with SEND get the help they need to achieve well.

Pupils' attitude to learning is exemplary.

They take pride in their work and strive to always improve their learning. Children in the early years are highly engaged and well-motivated. Pupils' books are very well presented.

Furthermore, the school has effective strategies in place to support pupils to attend well. Pupils enjoy and attend school regularly.

The curriculum beyond the academic is excellent.

Pupils know the protected characteristics and show great respect towards these. The school has created an 'inspirational people' programme. All pupils learn about a wide range of diverse and prominent figures who have made a positive difference to society.

Pupils are highly inspired by this programme. Furthermore, older pupils are educated about future study and career opportunities, leading to high aspirations for their future lives.

Governors fulfil their statutory duties very well.

The school is held in high regard within the community. The school works collaboratively and offers support to other schools in the area.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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