Swan Lane First School

Overview

Swan Lane First School is described as a "calm and orderly place" where pupils behave well and are "keen to succeed." Leaders provide a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that prepares pupils well for the next phase of their education, supported by effective pastoral care and high expectations for behaviour.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy a "broad range of activities," including after-school clubs and leadership roles such as "eco-warriors or digital leaders."
• Leaders prioritise reading with an "effective sequence" of teaching letters and sounds, ensuring pupils become "confident and enthusiastic readers."
• Teachers are "skilled at adapting work" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), allowing all to access the full curriculum.
• Staff provide "high quality of pastoral care" and take effective steps to promote mental health, ensuring pupils feel safe and happy.
• Governors are "insightful" and provide "effective oversight," supporting leaders through significant change and securing community trust.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the curriculum is taught consistently well, as there is "some variation in teachers’ expertise" and tasks do not always help pupils build on prior learning.
• Leaders should ensure pupils access a "broad range of books and texts," including poetry, plays and non-fiction, as the current range is sometimes limited.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained, vigilant, and able to involve other agencies appropriately when concerns arise.