Park Mead Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

Staff have created a friendly and nurturing environment in this small, inclusive school. They know pupils well. This helps pupils feel safe, happy and valued. Pupils know that the school will help them if they have a concern. They especially appreciate the 'worry boxes', where they can post their thoughts. Pupils are respectful to each other and staff. They are kind and caring. One pupil said, 'We are one big team. We look after each other.' Pupils understand the school's values of respect, resilience and responsibility. They demonstrate these in all areas of school life. Pupils enjoy learning and undertaking challenging tasks. They talk excitedly about their lessons and other educational experiences. The school has high expectations for what pupils should learn and remember. Pupils rise to these expectations and are keen to do their best. The school expects pupils to behave well. This is reflected in pupils' positive conduct and attitudes to their education. Pupils are polite and well mannered. They follow instructions and routines well. In class, pupils listen and work hard. They play and collaborate well at breaktimes. Pupils who are 'play leaders' love to help younger pupils. They are proud of their responsibilities and positive contributions. Pupils enjoy the many resources that are available for them to play with, particularly the gym equipment.

What the school should improve

• At times, teachers' checking of what pupils know and can do does not sharply identify the knowledge, gaps and misconceptions that pupils have. As a result, the adaptions that teachers make to meet pupils' emerging needs do not have as much impact as they could. The school should ensure that staff routinely and precisely identify when pupils have not secured new learning so that the right support is provided for pupils who might be at risk of falling behind.

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