Turton and Edgworth CofE/Methodist Controlled Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection.

However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. The school's next inspection will be a graded inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish socially, academically and emotionally at this school.

Their delight in attending is reflected in the way that they arrive at school each morning with happy, smiley faces. The school knows pupils well and values them as individuals.

Pupils develop very positive attitudes to learning.

...In some subjects, they achieve very well. This is because leaders have high expectations and the subject curriculums are well thought out and taught effectively. Pupils can remember key information.

This includes the meaning of important new words, such as rectilinear shapes, tectonic plates and perpendicular.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel safe and develop positive friendships at school. The school expects pupils to behave well, and they do.

They are polite and make visitors to school feel welcome. Quite simply, pupils are a credit to the school and their families. They know that adults will help them if they have any worries or concerns.

The school ensures that vulnerable families receive the help and support that they need.

Pupils benefit from a rich range of experiences to enhance their personal development. They enjoy attending clubs, such as chess, choir and 'karate maths'.

Pupils contribute to decision-making through their roles as librarians and elected members of the school parliament. They are particularly proud of their roles as subject ambassadors, helping the school to design and deliver areas of the curriculum through assemblies and themed days.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has a secure understanding of how to design and implement a high-quality curriculum.

It has ensured that subject curriculums are ambitious and that they are designed to meet the needs of pupils, including those with SEND. The school has carefully considered the subject-specific knowledge that staff will emphasise and teach from the early years to Year 6.

Teachers have excellent subject knowledge.

They design learning activities that help pupils to know and remember more. Staff use a varied range of assessment techniques, such as questioning, to spot any gaps in pupils' learning and to assess their understanding. Staff judiciously revisit previous learning so that pupils have a secure understanding of curriculum content.

Reading is given a high profile. Books are available in classrooms and in school libraries to foster pupils' love of reading. As soon as children start in the early years, staff seize every opportunity to develop their communication and language skills.

There is a buzz of conversation while children learn.

Staff deliver the phonics programme consistently well. Pupils read from books that include the sounds that they already know.

The school makes effective use of assessment information to identify pupils who are struggling to read. These pupils benefit from extra support to help them to catch up with the phonics programme.

The school identifies pupils' additional needs quickly.

It ensures that suitable adaptations are made during lessons to ensure that most pupils with SEND access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND take a full part in all aspects of school life.

Classrooms are calm and orderly.

Pupils listen well during lessons and enjoy opportunities to work with their friends, sharing their thoughts and ideas. Pupils understand the meaning of tolerance and respect for others. They appreciate that people have different families and beliefs.

Pupils understand the need to look after the planet for future generations. For instance, eco-warriors gently remind others of the importance of recycling, switching off lights and using less plastic.

Pupils are proud of the links that they have developed within the local community.'

Edgworth authors' proudly display examples of their work at a local community centre. Members of the school choir and musicians also perform at the centre to entertain local residents. Visitors come into school to talk to pupils about the different roles that they have in society.

This helps to raise pupils' aspirations for their future careers. Through the curriculum, pupils learn how to keep themselves safe when online. They also learn about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.

Governors know the school exceptionally well. Although supportive of the school, they are not afraid to ask challenging questions relating to all aspects of the school's work, including the quality of education.

The school and governing body consider the well-being of staff in the decisions that they make.

Staff access a wealth of training which helps them to do their jobs very well. Staff feel valued and proud to work at the school.

Most parents and carers are delighted with the quality of education that their children receive.

They would happily recommend the school to others.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.

This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be good in January 2015.

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