The Meadows Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The Meadows is an exceptional school where pupils flourish both in their learning and socially.

Staff work together very successfully so that pupils reach their full potential. There is a rich and ambitious curriculum. It ensures that pupils develop detailed knowledge and understanding over time in all subjects.

Pupils develop into articulate, confident individuals who are remarkably well prepared for the challenges of the next stage of their education. The school nurtures the talents and interests pupils have. The school ensures that very well-planned visits and clubs meets the needs of pupils.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes towards their learning and each ...other are excellent.They work hard, they are keen to learn, and they support each other well. Pupils are very well supported to understand and control their emotions.

They are encouraged to reflect and learn from their behaviour. The school's motto of 'learning by caring and sharing' is lived and breathed.

This is a school very much at the heart of its community.

One parent's comment was typical of many when they stated, 'My child has absolutely flourished at The Meadows with a team of teachers who obviously share a bond more akin to a family than simply colleagues.'

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

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum that carefully identifies what pupils need to know and remember over time. This begins from the moment they join in Nursery.

As a result, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), develop a rich body of knowledge that enables them to make connections between different subjects and topics. For example, pupils were able to explain how learning about rivers in geography had helped them to understand the importance of the river Nile when studying ancient Egypt.

Teachers use assessment strategies successfully to check that pupils have firmly understood earlier concepts and ideas.

When needed, teachers provide appropriate support for pupils to ensure that any gaps or misconceptions in earlier learning are addressed effectively. They are particularly effective in this when addressing the needs of pupils who have recently joined the school.

Reading sits at the heart of the curriculum.

Pupils develop into competent readers who can discuss, with enthusiasm, the books that they have enjoyed. They read across the curriculum, often requesting books, to be read to them by adults, which will help them deepen their understanding of subjects. For example, older pupils have requested to hear a book which helps them understand further the impact of religious conflict in the world.

Well-trained staff deliver the phonics programme consistently well. Children learn about sounds in Nursery and in Reception quickly learn the sounds that letters represent. Staff provide additional support for those pupils who struggle with reading.

This helps these pupils to catch up quickly. The books that pupils read closely match the sounds that they have learned. This supports them in becoming confident, fluent readers by the end of Year 2.

The school ensures that pupils with SEND, or those who have additional needs due to their emotional needs, benefit from high-quality support. Staff are skilled in identifying the needs of pupils with SEND. Pupils and their parents value the support that staff provide.

Pupils throughout the school are helped to overcome any barriers that they face. They are justifiably proud of their achievements.

Pupils are completely absorbed in their learning.

Disruption to lessons is extremely rare. This is because of the exciting curriculum which the school has developed as well as the school's promotion of its 'secrets to success'. These include 'work hard', 'concentrate' and 'imagine'.

These attitudes are recognised and rewarded in class and around school. Pupils are polite and respectful. They behave well at all times.

The curriculum for pupils' personal development is strong. Pupils' learning is enriched by the wide range of high-calibre experiences that the school offers. Personal development is considered across the curriculum.

As a result, pupils have a strong understanding of how to contribute to life in modern Brittain. Pupils are encouraged to take up leadership responsibilities, such as being reading buddies or well-being champions. They are supported to thrive in these roles.

Staff know that leaders listen to their views and consider their workload. Staff appreciate this and value the extensive professional development they receive and the support they get from the trust.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.