Elm Park Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils enjoy being part of this warm, inclusive and caring community where they feel safe, known and valued as individuals. Pupils know that someone will always listen to them and help them feel ready to learn. For example, each morning, pupils reflect on and explain how they are feeling. This helps adults quickly recognise who may need extra support. Pupils are highly engaged in lessons. They listen well to their teachers and each other. Pupils behave very well because there are clear expectations of them. Pupils understand and follow well-embedded routines. This means learning is rarely disrupted and pupils move around the site safely. These expectations are clear from the start, and children in early years are deliberately taught, for example, how to engage positively in discussion, listen and focus. Pupils understand that bullying can happen, but they consider it rare and trust adults to deal with it effectively. In classrooms, learning is calm and purposeful. Pupils enjoy talking about their ideas and explaining their thinking. They use subject vocabulary confidently and can explain how their learning connects over time. Pupils engage with learning and achieve well because staff meet their needs effectively. At social times, pupils access a wide range of creative equipment, building materials and imaginative play resources. This helps them to develop their communication, creativity and collaboration skills. Older pupils take pride in leadership roles, such as peer mentors and play leaders, helping their younger peers to join games and resolve any disagreements kindly. Pupils value the range of opportunities available, including clubs and educational and residential visits. The school’s highly inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, including those who need extra help, participate fully in the life of the school. This is supported by high rates of attendance for most, meaning pupils gain the full benefit of everything the school offers.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure teaching consistently checks pupils' understanding. This will help to ensure that any errors or misconceptions are swiftly identified and addressed, supporting pupils to secure key knowledge and understand the intended curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure a consistent approach to the teaching of handwriting and transcription, so that pupils’ writing fluency and accuracy continue to improve.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)