Legh Vale Primary School, located in Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside, has recently undergone an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school’s motto, being the best I can be, is reflected in the positive experiences of its pupils, who feel welcomed and proud to attend. They express happiness and a sense of safety within the school environment.
The school maintains high academic expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are engaged and attentive in lessons, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning. Disruptions to learning are infrequent, and when issues arise, pupils trust that staff will address them promptly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance personal development, including visits from authors and local sports teams, as well as annual talent shows and educational trips.
Legh Vale Primary School is currently navigating a transition period with a new headteacher and chair of governors. The curriculum is ambitious, with clear expectations in many subjects. However, some areas still require refinement to ensure that all pupils learn the essential knowledge effectively. Staff have received training to enhance their teaching practices, and most are adept at using appropriate resources and strategies to facilitate learning. Nonetheless, there is a need for improvement in helping pupils recall and retain previously learned information, as some struggle to build on their knowledge over time.
Reading is a priority at the school, with older pupils exposed to a diverse range of texts. Early years children engage in activities that promote literacy through storytelling. The phonics curriculum is well-implemented, and additional support is provided for pupils who face challenges in reading, ensuring they develop into confident readers.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, making necessary adaptations to teaching methods to facilitate their learning. Pupils in the early years exhibit a strong desire to learn and follow established routines that promote safety and sensible movement around the school. Attendance is prioritized, with measures in place to improve rates over time.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils learning about emotional health, safety, and healthy relationships. However, there is a noted gap in their understanding of British Values and the diversity of different cultures and religions, which limits their knowledge of modern Britain. The school is encouraged to implement a program that adequately prepares pupils for life in a diverse society.
The governing body possesses a range of expertise that supports the school effectively, and governors are committed to its improvement. Staff express positivity about the school’s direction and feel valued in the decision-making process. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, while Legh Vale Primary School demonstrates many strengths, particularly in its supportive environment and commitment to academic success, there are areas for growth, particularly in curriculum clarity and the depth of cultural education. The school is well-positioned to continue its development under new leadership, with a focus on enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
