Prestolee Primary School prides itself on being a warm and welcoming environment, for students and visitors alike. Student artwork is displayed around the school, acting as a physical reminder that every child can achieve and feel included in the vibrant school community at Prestolee. Staff are passionate about providing an education that will set children up for life and are ready to participate in a wide variety of training and support to ensure this happens. Every member of the school community is encouraged to aim high, and this is evident in the positivity exuded by the school. A student aptly told our assessor: “It’s a pretty amazing school, we are grateful to have it. You feel safe and have lots of opportunities”.
Learning is engaging and innovative at Prestolee Primary School, with pupils keen and confident enough to talk about their learning with visitors. Working walls are vibrant reminders of the brilliant work taking place in the school. Handwriting stations are in place in classrooms to facilitate a new approach to handwriting. Students are eager to engage with themed learning days, such as ‘No Pens Day’ – pupils were asked to bring in an item for show and tell, and in turn donate a pound to Speech and Language UK. Staff are very aware of the national needs surrounding language and communication, so themed days like this allow pupils to meet key milestones in a fun and engaging way. A focus on developing communication skills is not just limited to themed days, with staff ensuring that it is integrated into every lesson, through spoken language, music, painting, role playing, and reading.
Students engage in a variety of activities and are asked to think critically about key questions, always speaking in an articulate manner. Our assessor observed a geography lesson where students were asked to think about whether they would like to live in a hot or cold place. They used this key question to inform image sorting of hot or cold countries, thinking critically about elements such as vegetation or animals, then sorting ideas into Venn diagrams. Students are immersed in an excellent musical education. They listen to music from a variety of genres and are asked to paint what they feel or see in their minds. These engaging activities are then recorded to inform staff training. Not only does the curriculum at Prestolee Primary School encourage emotional maturity in learners, but it also follows an inclusive model that allows learners who thrive in various disciplines to feel success and pride in their work.
Staff praise this commitment to CPD and are proud of the knowledge they have of the whole school curriculum. Indeed, Governors show a strong understanding of the curriculum and the strategic SIP priorities. Governors appreciate the high-quality reports that are shared with them and the frequent reviews with the Headteacher. Staff feel pride in the projects they have researched, and can see the impact of their research right across the school. For example, Ready Steady Write was researched and embedded as a result of staff dedication. A trainer for Ready Steady Write was brought in to train staff and observe different elements of lessons and review books, to provide staff with next steps. The school has adapted the scheme to include a review stage on top of the set lesson elements.
Students now possess a wider, more developed vocabulary and verbal skills that they apply across all subjects. The school has even purchased new furniture for classrooms to support improved postures when writing. The scheme has inspired the school to implement intervention sessions for KS1 and KS2 pupils struggling with fine motor skills. SEND pupils in particular have found the scheme a great asset, showing the far-reaching impact inclusive policy can have. Staff think carefully about how SEND learners can engage fully in all aspects of learning. Vocabulary is connected to images that link to widgets and pictorials around the school, levelling the playing field for learners. Immersive elements are added to lessons, with teachers creating opportunities for students to touch and feel different elements mentioned in stories.
Staff are also proactive in their approach to recording impact and progress. QR codes are used by staff to review knowledge and capture role play, and for sharing the work of children who would normally have scribes. The QR code can include multiple-choice questions from the word wall which children can access through iPads. Tapestry is used in early years to record learning and share results with parents who can support areas of need through home learning. TAs support SEND learners through the use of Read, Write, Inc., personalising learning and encouraging independence and confidence. It is clear to see that all learners are provided for and empowered at Prestolee Primary School. With superb staff training, and a whole school commitment to inclusive education, the entire school community can thrive and achieve on an individual and communal basis. Dedication has ensured that every learner is equipped for their future, whether that be academically or emotionally.
