Parkinson Lane Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Leaders, staff, pupils and the wider community have transformed this school. They are united by a shared vision to ensure that every pupil benefits from an ambitious curriculum, enhanced by meaningful extra-curricular activities.

That vision is now a reality. From the moment that pupils start at this welcoming and inclusive school, they happily embrace every opportunity that has been carefully planned for them. The impact of this learning environment is startling – for many pupils, it is life-changing.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Even the youngest children quickly learn to meet the school's high expectations for their conduct. Respect and tolerance are threaded th...roughout the school.

Pupils develop a meaningful understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live. They have a rich knowledge of different religions and cultures. This knowledge and understanding shape their character and are the foundation for the high levels of respect that pupils consistently display towards others.

There is a wealth of opportunity for pupils to take part in trips, visits and out-of-school clubs. Pupils explain how trips deepen their knowledge of what they learn in lessons. This vibrant school community works together to empower pupils with the knowledge, principles and confidence to engage positively with society as a British citizen.

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

The curriculum now in place is of exceptional quality. The important knowledge that the school wants pupils to know and remember is clearly highlighted. There are regular opportunities for pupils to revisit this knowledge.

Passionate and knowledgeable teaching staff bring learning to life. They help pupils to see the links between new learning and what they have learned before.

Pupils develop an increasing depth of knowledge of the different subjects that they study.

They see the value and meaning in what they have been taught. They make increasingly sophisticated connections between subjects and are able to relate their learning to the world around them. This helps pupils to recall what they have learned before and to explain the importance of this knowledge.

By the end of primary school, pupils are knowledgeable, confident and eloquent individuals who are both ready and excited for their next steps.

The school carefully monitors pupils' progress through the curriculum. Subject leaders use this detailed information to evaluate their curriculum accurately and make any changes needed.

Teaching staff have the knowledge, training and information they need to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result of the help they receive, pupils with SEND successfully access the same curriculum as their peers and take part in the wider opportunities that the school offers.Most pupils speak English as an additional language, and many initially struggle to speak English fluently.

Well-trained and skilful teaching staff quickly help children gain the skills and confidence to speak and read English accurately and with understanding. Those at the earliest stages of learning to read learn their letters and the sounds these letters represent quickly. They learn to read accurately and with comprehension.

High expectations for all and a culture of tolerance and respect are consistently in place across the school. This starts in early years, where the youngest children learn how to take turns and to be kind to others. Subject leaders know the importance of the foundational knowledge that children in early years need.

Working with teaching staff and alongside key stage leaders and link governors, subject leaders check that this knowledge is in place and ensure a smooth transition into key stage 1.

Pupils have a real understanding of what it means to be a British citizen. The school has ensured that, over time, pupils understand the importance of equality and the protected characteristics.

As with other subject areas, this knowledge has meaning and value for pupils. It contributes strongly to the high levels of respect and exceptional behaviour that are seen. Above all, there is a principled understanding of diversity and a knowledgeable and joyful celebration of the different cultures that exist in modern Britain.

This community school is held in high regard by both staff and the wider community. Staff are well supported and proud to work here. They know that leaders, including governors, look after them well and have regard for their workload and well-being.

The school knows that parents and carers are its valued partners and ensures that parents have the knowledge and information they need to support their work. The great majority of parents are highly supportive of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.