Sutton Manor Community Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, received a positive inspection report, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on December 6 and 7, 2022. The school is characterized by a supportive and safe environment where pupils express happiness and feel secure. They are encouraged to approach trusted adults with any concerns, fostering a culture of openness and trust. Staff maintain high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement, resulting in polite and well-behaved students who engage positively in their learning.
The school promotes respect and understanding of diversity among pupils, who demonstrate maturity in their attitudes towards differences. Incidents of bullying or unkindness are addressed promptly by staff, ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Beyond academics, pupils participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and educational trips to art galleries and museums. They also engage in community service, such as singing at local residential homes and hosting events for community members, which enhances their sense of responsibility and connection to the community.
The curriculum at Sutton Manor is ambitious and designed to engage all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge in a logical sequence. Most subjects are delivered effectively, leading to good academic outcomes. However, there are a few subjects where the curriculum is less developed, resulting in some pupils struggling to recall prior learning and build on it effectively.
Assessment strategies are generally well implemented, allowing teachers to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and address them promptly. Nonetheless, in a small number of subjects, misconceptions are not addressed quickly enough, which can hinder learning. Reading is prioritized across the school, with a well-ordered phonics program that begins early in a child's education. This strong foundation in reading is built upon as pupils progress through the school, with teachers providing support to those who may fall behind.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior and attitudes towards learning, with low levels of disruption in classrooms. This conducive learning environment allows them to focus on their studies. The school offers a range of enrichment activities, including residential trips, which contribute to pupils' understanding of British values such as democracy and respect. Staff are dedicated to identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum and achieve well.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, demonstrating a strong understanding of the school's impact on pupil achievement. Staff members feel valued and supported, with access to training and a focus on well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and prompt action taken to protect pupils at risk.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all subjects have clearly defined essential knowledge for pupils to learn and remember. Additionally, addressing misconceptions more swiftly in all subjects will help prevent gaps in knowledge. Overall, Sutton Manor Community Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils while fostering a strong sense of community involvement.
