Parkside Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils are very proud of their school. They take care of the school environment responsibly. Pupils tidy up after themselves and show independence throughout the school day, in classrooms and on the playground. Pupils say that bullying does not worry them as it is not a part of school life and adults would resolve issues quickly if they ever happened. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have their needs identified precisely from the start of their time at school. Staff help vulnerable pupils and remove barriers to their learning and wellbeing successfully. Pupils are conscientious. Older pupils act as role models for younger ones and keenly help other pupils with barriers to their learning. Pupils' attitudes to learning are very positive. They know the school's routines well and feel safe. Pupils can describe aspects of the school's values, such as ‘determination’ and ‘independence’, confidently. Pupils are reflective and have a mature insight into the world around them. For example, they build their independence to help them prepare for the move to secondary school and for life outside of school. Pupils benefit from a range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to the school community. Where teaching is most effective, pupils recall their knowledge of the curriculum well. Pupils can explain what they have learned and how they apply this. However, in some lessons staff do not consistently check pupils’ understanding as effectively as they could. As a result, a small proportion of pupils have misconceptions that are not addressed, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge. Pupils attend school regularly. Those with barriers to their attendance respond well to leaders' efforts to coordinate personalised approaches that improve their attendance. By the end of key stage 2, most pupils achieve securely in reading, writing and mathematics and are well prepared for their next stage of education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff further develop practice to check pupils' understanding so that they can consistently identify and correct pupils’ errors and misconceptions.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils strengthen their foundational knowledge and skills in handwriting, ensuring that any gaps are addressed and closed quickly.

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