Egerton Primary School, located in Bolton, Lancashire, was inspected on 28 and 29 September 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive learning environment for pupils. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as good. The school had previously received an outstanding rating 14 years ago, and this inspection marked a significant period since the last evaluation due to legal exemptions from routine inspections.
Pupils at Egerton Primary School enjoy their time at school, demonstrating good behaviour and a strong work ethic. They engage positively with their peers during break and lunchtime, fostering a sense of community. The school celebrates pupils' achievements through various displays, which enhances their pride in their work. High expectations from staff contribute to pupils' success across the curriculum. The school environment promotes respectful interactions among pupils and between pupils and adults, with effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying.
The curriculum at Egerton Primary School is broad and ambitious, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for future academic challenges. Teachers deliver lessons with confidence and are well-supported by subject leaders. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, typically achieve well. The school has a strong focus on early reading, with staff trained to deliver phonics instruction effectively. This has resulted in children in the early years making a strong start in reading, with resources available to support their learning.
Children in the Reception Year quickly adapt to their new environment, making friends and enjoying their learning experiences. The well-organized and resourced environment supports their development in key areas such as mathematics, language, and communication. Leaders and teachers are adept at identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the curriculum effectively. However, some pupils, including those with SEND, may struggle to retain previous learning, indicating a need for further support in this area.
Staff at Egerton Primary School express satisfaction with their work environment, appreciating recent changes to assessment procedures and the consideration given to their workload and well-being. The school enriches pupils' learning through workshops and visits, allowing them to explore topics in depth and develop a broader understanding of democracy and cultural diversity.
Despite a period of governance disruption, school leaders have maintained high aspirations for pupils, supported by the local authority. A new governing body has been established, and training is in place to ensure effective governance moving forward. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, ensuring pupils' safety and well-being.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the sequencing of the curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics. This will help ensure that pupils can build on their prior knowledge and apply it to new concepts. Subject leaders are encouraged to focus on effective curriculum planning from early years through to Year 6 to support continuous learning progression.
Overall, Egerton Primary School provides a supportive and engaging learning environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The commitment of staff and leaders to maintaining high standards is evident, and with targeted improvements, the school can continue to enhance its educational offerings for all pupils.
