Alder Grove Church of England Primary School

Overview

Pupils “thrive at this newly established school,” demonstrating “exemplary” behaviour and a strong understanding of core values such as kindness and perseverance. The school provides a secure environment where children feel safe and enjoy “very positive relationships” with staff and peers. Leaders maintain high expectations, supported by expert guidance from the academy trust, fostering a community where families feel a strong sense of belonging.

Strengths

• Pupils learn to read “exceptionally well,” benefiting from “highly effective” early phonics teaching and a curriculum that promotes reading for pleasure.
• Behaviour is “exemplary,” with staff applying policies consistently and nurturing pupils’ physical and mental health through a “deliberate approach.”
• The curriculum in core subjects like mathematics is “embedded securely,” with staff planning clear steps to help pupils retain knowledge.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve well,” supported by “highly personalised programmes” and sensitive staff adaptations.
• Leaders and governors offer “strong support,” engaging closely with staff to manage workload and well-being while celebrating diversity.

Areas to improve

• The wider curriculum is “still in the process of being implemented fully effectively,” meaning some pupils do not achieve as well as they could in subjects such as art.
• Support for some pupils with SEND is “not as precise as it could be,” requiring further development to help a small number achieve even more.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders and staff regularly trained and maintaining “highly detailed record-keeping” to ensure swift action on any concerns.