Queensgate Foundation Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy attending this vibrant and caring school. They rise to the high expectations that the school has for their conduct by following the 'Queensgate Code'.

As a result, pupils consistently demonstrate respect for each other. They behave well and respond positively to instructions. Pupils are confident that if they have any worries, there is always an adult in the school who will listen and help.

Many parents and carers comment on how staff regularly go above and beyond to do the best for their children. Pastoral support through 'The Nest' and 'The Patch' help staff to meet the needs of pupils who need more personalised help.

Staff are ambitious that e...very pupil will achieve their best.

The curriculum is constantly reviewed to ensure pupils receive an effective education. Provision for pupils' personal development is very strong. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a vast array of activities, trips and events which the school organises for them.

Pupils are proud of the positive contribution that they make to school life. Pupils eagerly take on leadership roles to ensure their voice is heard. School councillors, anti-bullying ambassadors and the eco-council make meaningful contributions to school life.

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

The school has established an ambitious and broad curriculum from the very start of the early years through to Year 6. It has identified the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should gain in all subjects. The school has recently strengthened the curriculum in some subjects.

This has resulted in a positive impact on pupils' outcomes.

The school helps most pupils to learn to read well. Children begin learning to read as soon as they start school.

Most staff deliver the phonics programme successfully. Pupils who need additional help to learn to read receive this. However, occasionally support for pupils who find reading more difficult is not provided quickly and well.

This means that some pupils do not make the progress they should in phonics and their early reading skills. Most older pupils read with accuracy and independence. All pupils benefit from listening to adults read high-quality texts to them regularly.

In the subjects where the curriculum is strongest, the knowledge that pupils need to learn at different stages is clearly identified. This is particularly the case in mathematics and has resulted in pupils being confident in exploring different concepts and processes. Pupils use the right vocabulary to discuss their learning in mathematics.

Current pupils are making strong progress through the curriculum. In art and design, pupils' sketchbooks demonstrate how their skills and knowledge have improved over time. Pupils with SEND are well supported.

Staff adapt lessons so that all pupils access the curriculum well. Some pupils are taught a more individual curriculum which means their additional needs are more precisely met.

The school has recently made some well-considered modifications to the curriculum, such as in geography and history.

This is because, in a few subjects, pupils have not mastered the same wide range of knowledge and skills that they have elsewhere in the curriculum. This results in pupils not having the same depth of learning in these subjects as they do in others.

Children in the early years settle well into the routines of the school.

There is a happy and vibrant atmosphere. Staff model learning and how to use new vocabulary effectively. Well-selected resources support children's learning.

Teachers identify gaps in children's early English and mathematics and seek to fill them rapidly.

Pupils' behaviour is calm and positive around school. Pupils want to learn and work well together in class.

The school maintains a strong focus on securing pupils' regular attendance. For pupils whose attendance is a cause for concern, the school works closely with families to successfully bring about improvements.

The school's provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.

There are extensive opportunities for pupils to develop talents and interests right from early years. At the heart of this is the school's 'out and about' curriculum. This bespoke aspect of the school's work gives pupils the opportunity to better understand the island on which they live.

On top of traditional sport and music clubs, pupils can attend clubs such as skateboarding, fencing, cookery and craft making. Pupils value, respect and engage with their local community and environment. They are particularly proud of their environmental work.

Governors are well trained and understand their duties well. Their regular checks allow them to test out what is happening and to improve the important aspects of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Some staff have not been sufficiently trained in the teaching of early reading. This means some pupils have gaps in their phonics knowledge, and these are not addressed quickly enough to enable pupils to become fluent readers. The school should ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills to teach phonics effectively.

• The curriculum in a few subjects has been recently revised. In these subjects, pupils have not always studied a curriculum that enabled them to learn all the important knowledge they need to. The school should ensure that revised curriculums are implemented effectively and help pupils to remember and use important subject knowledge.

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