Leek First School

Overview

Leek First School is confirmed as a ‘good school’ with a ‘friendly’ atmosphere and a ‘strong sense of community’. Leaders and staff maintain ‘high expectations’, ensuring pupils are ‘motivated’ and ‘proud’ to attend, while parents value the ‘personalised approach’ provided.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘broad and balanced’, with core subjects broken down into smaller steps to help ‘deepen pupils’ knowledge over time’.
• Early years provision is strong, with ‘daily phonics sessions’ and a ‘structured approach to reading’ ensuring most pupils read fluently by the end of key stage 1.
• Staff ‘know their pupils well’ and provide clear explanations, including targeted support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Behaviour in the classroom is ‘excellent’, with pupils understanding expectations and showing respect for others.
• Staff feel ‘well supported’ by leaders who consider their ‘well-being and work–life balance’.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must define the ‘precise knowledge’ pupils should learn in some foundation subjects to ensure knowledge is ‘embedded for the long term’.
• Staff expectations for behaviour during unstructured times are insufficient; leaders must ensure pupils do not run in the school building, as this is ‘not safe’.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff receiving regular training and being ‘quick to identify and report any signs that may suggest a pupil is at risk of harm’.