Shillington Lower School

Overview

Shillington Lower School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a school where pupils take pride in their achievements, feel happy and safe, and are encouraged to be independent learners. Leaders have prioritised the development of a broad curriculum, resulting in strong outcomes in core subjects like reading and mathematics.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, listening well and being attentive due to clear behavioural expectations.
• Phonics teaching is structured and effective, with staff quickly identifying and supporting gaps in reading knowledge.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and participate fully in school life.
• Staff provide precise praise and clear routines that help pupils understand what they have done well.
• Personal development is fostered through trips, charitable events, and learning about respect for others’ differences.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, curriculum plans are in early stages; leaders must ensure teachers have a secure understanding of how key knowledge builds over time.
• In the pre-school provision, the curriculum does not always precisely identify the knowledge children will acquire in some areas, limiting early learning foundations.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders working well with other agencies to support families and staff knowing how to identify and record concerns about pupils at risk of harm.