Mossbourne Parkside Academy

Overview

Mossbourne Parkside Academy provides a well-rounded education where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve outcomes consistently above the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school is praised for its "highly effective support" for vulnerable pupils, strong attendance rates, and a positive culture where children feel safe and well-prepared for secondary school.

Strengths

• Inclusion is a "forefront" priority, with "robust systems" ensuring pupils’ needs are identified quickly and supported by "bespoke, high-quality training" for staff.
• Disadvantaged pupils achieve well, benefiting from wise use of funding to strengthen early reading and language, leading to "very positive outcomes."
• Attendance is a strength, with rates "consistently above the national averages" due to leaders working closely with families and external agencies.
• Staff benefit from a supportive coaching programme, resulting in "secure subject knowledge" and effective teaching, particularly in phonics.
• Pupils are well-prepared for future education through a wide range of enrichment activities, trips, and the 'Parkside pledge'.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure staff use "positive approaches" to help pupils manage their behaviour, as some view the current approach as too strict and lack opportunities to take responsibility.
• Staff must address errors in spelling and handwriting more consistently, as pupils do not make as much progress in these areas as they could.
• Leaders should develop pupils’ "secure understanding of fundamental British values," which is currently lacking.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.