Barlows Primary School is a welcoming institution located in Fazakerley, Liverpool, where pupils exhibit commendable behavior and foster positive attitudes towards learning. The school community, comprising pupils, staff, parents, and carers, expresses pride in their association with the school. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, regularly celebrating their achievements and encouraging participation in various extracurricular activities, including competitive sports.
The school excels in supporting pupils' personal development, teaching them essential skills for safety and health, as well as the importance of resilience, tolerance, and respect. Pupils gain a solid understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond their community. They are well-informed about bullying and assert that it is not tolerated at Barlows Primary School, with staff addressing any incidents swiftly.
Since the last inspection, the headteacher and senior leaders have made significant improvements to the curriculum, introducing changes at a suitable pace across most subjects. This has resulted in a good and improving quality of education. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on early reading. Effective phonics teaching routines are established early in a child's education, supported by well-trained staff who cater to all learners, including those who struggle. Consequently, more pupils are becoming successful readers.
Historically, mathematics achievement has been a concern, but recent improvements to the mathematics curriculum have made it more organized and structured. Teaching now builds effectively on prior knowledge, with a focus on developing reasoning skills. Current pupils are showing progress in their mathematical understanding and application.
While the curriculum is well-planned, there are areas needing attention, particularly in science and computing. Leaders have not sufficiently considered how pupils learn in these subjects, resulting in a lack of coherent planning and guidance for staff. This has led to an overemphasis on linking these subjects with others rather than focusing on their intrinsic content.
Pupils' positive behavior and attitudes significantly enhance their learning experience. The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance in English and mathematics. Progress is closely monitored to meet individual needs and prevent any pupil from falling behind.
In the early years, staff utilize stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments, offering a variety of engaging resources daily. The curriculum promotes knowledge and skill development across all learning areas, including early reading and mathematics. Additionally, the school provides numerous opportunities for experiential learning outside the classroom, such as field trips and visits to significant locations to enhance pupils' understanding of their studies.
Despite the positive aspects, attendance remains a challenge, with rates below the national average. Although leaders have successfully reduced the number of pupils who are frequently absent, further efforts are needed to improve overall attendance and ensure that all pupils benefit fully from their education.
Staff morale at Barlows Primary School is high, with all responding staff members expressing enjoyment in their roles and feeling well-supported by leadership. Most believe the school has improved since the last inspection.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular training on child protection and welfare. Leaders maintain detailed records of concerns and collaborate with external agencies when necessary. Appropriate checks are conducted on all adults working with pupils, ensuring a safe environment.
To further enhance the school, leaders should focus on developing the science and computing curriculums to ensure coherent planning and sequencing. Additionally, while improvements in mathematics are evident, it is crucial to ensure that Year 6 pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for their next educational stage. Continued efforts to improve attendance are also essential to align with national averages, ensuring all pupils have access to a complete educational experience.
