Gaddesby Primary School

Overview

Gaddesby Primary School is described as “a place to thrive!” where pupils are “rightly proud” and develop “very positive attitudes to their learning.” Leaders maintain “remarkably high behavioural expectations” that are met consistently, resulting in “outstanding” attitudes and conduct. The school provides a high-quality education with an ambitious curriculum, though some assessment and teaching practices require refinement.

Strengths

• Pupils are “inquisitive,” “confident, resilient and independent,” and feel safe, knowing five trusted adults they can approach with worries.
• The curriculum is “well thought through,” particularly in mathematics and physical education, where learning builds in “stepped ways.”
• Staff are “skilled in adapting teaching” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, enabling them to access the same curriculum as peers.
• Reading is prioritised effectively; staff deliver a consistent phonics programme, and pupils learn to read “fluently and with comprehension.”
• Early years provision is strong, with staff establishing routines quickly and nurturing children’s “literacy and numeracy” well.

Areas to improve

• Staff must ensure they consistently make “appropriate pedagogical choices” rather than focusing on activities that distract from intended learning.
• The school needs to embed effective “summative assessment” in foundation subjects so staff know with confidence what pupils remember over time.
• Leaders must ensure pupils gain a deeper appreciation of “equality and diversity” and fundamental British values, such as democracy.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”