St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School in Bolton has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to the achievement and well-being of its pupils. Teachers maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils express happiness in their learning environment and show a desire to succeed. The school promotes its core values of love, friendship, respect, and creativity, which are reinforced through a system of awards for positive behavior. The leadership team effectively addresses any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and confident in being themselves.
The school offers a rich array of experiences that enhance learning. For instance, during a study of Roman Britain, pupils visited Chester to explore Roman remains, which made their learning more engaging. The personal development program fosters essential skills such as independence, teamwork, and resilience, contributing to the overall growth of pupils as effective learners. Additionally, a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, crafts, and general knowledge clubs, are available to all pupils, encouraging widespread participation and the development of individual talents.
The curriculum at St Matthew’s is broad and ambitious, designed to help pupils connect their learning across different subjects. Leaders have clearly defined the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should acquire, and they take steps to ensure effective delivery by teachers. This approach prepares pupils well for their future educational endeavors. Teachers collaborate to create stimulating learning opportunities, particularly in early years education. However, in a few subjects, there is a need for improved assessment practices to ensure that all pupils are effectively tracking their learning and addressing any gaps in knowledge.
In the early years, the focus is on developing language and communication skills, with staff actively promoting vocabulary development. Children engage in various activities that reinforce their understanding of numbers and shapes, leading to strong progress. The school also prioritizes fostering a love of reading, exemplified by the establishment of an inspiring indoor woodland library that hosts reading sessions for pupils and their families.
Behavior management is another strength of the school, with staff creating positive and supportive classroom environments. Leaders are proactive in addressing any challenging behavior, ensuring that learning is rarely disrupted. However, attendance remains an area for improvement, as some pupils are not attending school as regularly as they should. Leaders have implemented reward systems to encourage better attendance and provide support for those struggling with regular attendance.
The school emphasizes personal development, teaching pupils about British values such as democracy and respect. Opportunities for pupils to participate in the school council empower them to have a voice in school governance. Leaders have effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with additional needs, collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary assistance. The school is particularly focused on supporting international new arrivals, ensuring they quickly develop the language skills needed to access the curriculum.
Overall, St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices and attendance, the school’s commitment to high standards of education and personal development is evident. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
