Grove Road Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 April 2022

Grove Road Primary School is a place where children feel happy and well cared for. There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to attend clubs and to go on trips. Pupils say that they are taught that it is 'good to be different'. They like the way that staff make them feel 'unique'. Teachers do this by encouraging pupils to 'be themselves'. Pupils enjoy their lessons. They like learning and being with their friends. Pupils are also encouraged to be independent. For example, they can check their own work at a class 'checking station'. Pupils like this because it motivates them, and they can see their own progress. Pupils' behaviour is good. They are polite to each other and to staff. Staff help pupils to settle after breaktimes and lunchtimes. They think of additional ways to help calm pupils who may be experiencing anxiety, for example through the provision of a lunchtime space for pupils to talk to an adult. Pupils say that bullying is rare, and if it does happen, adults help to put things right. Pupils talk fondly of the ways that the adults help them to learn how to be good friends, for example through their 'pro-social practice' lessons.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, activities planned for pupils to take part in during phonics lesson do not match the aims of the curriculum. As a result, phonics lessons are not always as effective as they could be, and pupils are not always given the best opportunities to rehearse and revisit their phonics knowledge. Leaders should train and work with teachers to organise appropriate activities that will help all pupils to practise their phonics knowledge well.

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