Baines’ Endowed Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher provides strong, effective leadership. She has the confidence and trust of staff, pupils and parents.

Leaders have driven forward rapid improvements in teaching. As a result, most pupils make good progress and achieve well. Governance is effective.

Governors have the skills and information they need to hold school leaders to account. Governors work in close alliance with the multi-academy trust. This is an effective partnership.

Pupils have a spring in their step and smiles on their faces as they come into school. They feel safe and valued as individuals at Baines' Primary School. The quality of teaching, learning... and assessment has improved markedly and is now good.

However, discussion with some middle leaders shows they are not clear about the progress pupils make. Pupils make good progress in reading and mathematics, but progress in writing is not quite as strong. Leaders recognise this.

Teaching assistants make a valuable contribution to pupils' achievement, particularly in the teaching of phonics. Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning because of successful work by staff to improve attitudes. Pupils take part readily in the many out-of-school activities that the school offers.

Leaders have developed a broad and balanced curriculum. This has not been compromised in their drive to improve outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics. Homework is set to reinforce pupils' learning.

Pupils have good understanding about the Christian faith and other cultures and religions. They have a real appreciation of life in modern Britain. Provision in the early years is good.

Children make good progress. However, Nursery education is not of the same high standard as that in Reception classes with regard to teaching, learning and assessment. Vulnerable pupils, some with complex needs, are catered for very well.

Staff go the extra mile to ensure that they are taught in a way that ensures that they make good progress.

Information about this school

This is a larger-than-average-sized primary school with a higher percentage of girls than nationally in Years 3, 4 and 6. A substantive headteacher, formerly deputy headteacher of the school, was appointed in September 2017.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. There are higher numbers of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities in the current Years 3, 4 and 6. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after, is high and nearly twice the national average.

The percentage of pupils from a minority ethnic background is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standard and coasting standards in 2015 and 2016, which is the minimum expectation for pupils' learning and progress. Baines' Endowed Primary School and Children's Centre is part of an academy trust with three other schools in Blackpool, one of which is secondary.

Other schools in the trust are based in the Blackburn area. Leaders work collaboratively within the trust. The school is also an active member of a collaborative group of schools in the Blackpool area.