Portfields Primary School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, though evidence suggests a graded inspection might yield a lower judgement. Leaders have driven recent curriculum improvements, particularly in the early years, but inconsistencies in teaching and assessment across other subjects mean some pupils are not achieving as well as they should.

Strengths

• The early years curriculum is strong, with leaders identifying key knowledge and skills to help children ‘get off to a good start’.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘fully included in school life’ and receive timely, effective support.
• Behaviour is excellent; classrooms are described as ‘calm and purposeful learning environments’ where pupils show ‘genuine respect’ for others.
• Staff feel ‘appreciated and included in decision-making’, contributing to a positive school culture and vision.
• Pupils have secure knowledge of personal, social, health and economic education topics, including diversity and equality.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff have the expertise to teach the early reading programme effectively, as phonics is not yet taught consistently well in key stage 1.
• Leaders should make the progression of learning more explicit in foundation subjects so teachers can plan lessons that connect with prior knowledge.
• Staff need to better assess and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge in foundation subjects to ensure pupils develop the intended depth of understanding.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders working closely with other professionals to support families.