Knotty Ash Primary School, located in Liverpool, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 15 and 16, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where every pupil feels included and valued. Students express their appreciation for the nurturing environment and highlight the unique opportunity to learn three languages: English, British Sign Language, and Spanish. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported effectively. As a result, pupils demonstrate determination in their studies and exhibit polite and courteous behavior towards peers and adults.
The school promotes a culture of safety and support, with staff readily available to address any concerns. Pupils have a unique way of expressing their worries through a 'worry monster' system, which allows them to communicate their feelings anonymously. The school takes incidents of bullying seriously, addressing them promptly to maintain a safe environment for all students. Extracurricular activities, such as the signing choir and judo club, are well-received, and older pupils take on responsibilities to ensure younger students feel included during playtime.
Knotty Ash Primary School has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of its pupils. Leaders have invested in training to enhance subject knowledge among staff, which in turn supports effective curriculum delivery. Subject leaders have clearly outlined the knowledge pupils are expected to learn, and teachers utilize this information to assess pupil understanding and progress. For instance, Year 1 pupils effectively apply their prior knowledge of numbers to tackle more complex subtraction problems.
However, some curriculum areas are still in the early stages of development, with teachers needing more time to deliver the identified content fully. Consequently, there are gaps in pupils' knowledge in these subjects. Additionally, while reading is prioritized, with a strong phonics program in place, there is a need for improvement in pupils' understanding of different religions and cultures. This gap is attributed to the pandemic's impact on curriculum coverage.
The school has made significant strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the same curriculum content as their peers. The calm and sensible behavior of pupils throughout the school day contributes to a conducive learning environment. Pupils engage positively in their learning, demonstrating high levels of concentration and attentiveness.
Knotty Ash Primary School also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Staff are vigilant in identifying signs of potential harm and are trained to report concerns promptly. The curriculum includes lessons on internet safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate online spaces responsibly.
In summary, while Knotty Ash Primary School excels in many areas, including community building, curriculum development, and safeguarding, there are opportunities for growth in specific subjects and in enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and religions. Continued focus on these areas will further strengthen the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils.
