Parklands Primary School

Overview

Parklands Primary School is described as “flourishing” under the guidance of the Preston Hedges Trust, with leaders having “swiftly brought about change and raised standards.” The report highlights a positive culture where pupils feel “happy and secure” and demonstrate “inclusive and welcoming attitudes.”

Strengths

• The curriculum is well-designed, ensuring pupils meet new ideas in a “logical order” and that those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “take part in all aspects of the curriculum.”
• There is a “sharp focus on communication” in the early years, resulting in pupils who “express themselves correctly, using precise, technical language.”
• Teachers effectively help pupils retain knowledge by revisiting important skills, such as using “five to six questions at the start of a lesson” in mathematics.
• Phonics is “taught consistently well throughout the school,” with staff using the same methods to help pupils sound out words.
• Staff well-being is prioritised, creating a “unified team” where early-career teachers value the support they receive.

Areas to improve

• Assessment in some subjects is not closely aligned to the curriculum, meaning teachers do not always have a “precise understanding of what all pupils know and can do.”
• Some pupils do not read as fluently as they might because they “sometimes sound out words when they do not need to,” and staff do not always clarify what fluent sentence reading should sound like.
• Leaders must continue efforts to reduce the persistent absence of disadvantaged pupils, acknowledging they still have “some way to go” to improve attendance for this group.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff spot risks quickly and ensure pupils receive necessary support.