St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The motto of the school, 'Dream, believe, learn and achieve', accurately captures the ethos of high aspirations for pupils that leaders have created.

Leaders and governors have an accurate view of the school's strengths. They are ambitious for pupils and are committed to improving the school further. There is a sense of calm and purpose which permeates across the school.

Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful and caring. Consequently, pupils thrive in a nurturing environment where they feel safe and happy. Pupils are proud to state that they are part of the big 'St James' family'.

Their behaviour is good in lessons... and around school. Pupils are highly positive about the school and value their education. They display good attitudes to learning and take great care with their presentation and handwriting.

Leaders have prioritised the teaching of reading across the school. Displays and skilfully planned provision hook pupils into reading. As a result, pupils display a love of reading and make strong progress.

The teaching of phonics is effective. Pupils learn and use skills that support their reading and spelling to good effect. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

They appreciate the approachability of staff and feel welcomed into the school. They say that their children are happy, well cared for and safe. The early years is a strength of the school.

Children get off to a flying start and make very strong progress. Provision inside and outside is inspirational. Adults plan exciting activities and support children exceptionally well.

The curriculum is well planned. It offers pupils a wide range of exciting and engaging experiences. This helps pupils to develop skills, knowledge and understanding across many subjects.

Middle leaders are keen to improve their areas of responsibility in the school. However, several of them are new to the role and are developing the skills they need to be fully effective. Pupils' attendance rates are around the national averages.

However, too many pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are absent from school. The quality of teaching is typically good. However, the progress of lower-ability pupils and pupils with SEND is sometimes hindered by the appropriateness of activities or the support that they receive.

Information about this school

This is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well above the national average. The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are broadly in line with national averages.

The proportion of pupils who are supported because they have SEND is above the national average. The school's early years provision includes provision for two-year-olds, part-time and full-time nursery provision, with children attending either for morning or afternoon sessions, and two full-time reception classes. The school's most recent section 48 inspection for schools with a religious character took place in March 2017.