St Hilda’s Church of England Primary School in Prestwich, Manchester, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 29 and 30 March 2023. The school fosters a harmonious community where staff, pupils, and parents show mutual respect. Pupils express happiness in their learning environment, appreciating the support from teachers and the opportunities to learn new things. The leadership team sets high expectations for both achievement and behavior, which pupils respond to positively, demonstrating good behavior and readiness for future educational stages.
The relationships between staff and pupils are warm and built on shared values, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils are engaged in their lessons, including those in the Reception class, and they know they can approach trusted adults for support. The school has mechanisms like the ‘chill and chat club’ for pupils to discuss their concerns, and instances of bullying are rare, with effective measures in place to address any issues that arise.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the pupil-voice committee, which contributes to school improvement. They take pride in initiatives like the Peaceful Place and the school library bus. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. It aims to foster curiosity, knowledge, skills, and independence, with a well-sequenced approach to learning across subjects. Most pupils achieve well, and teaching is effective in building knowledge progressively.
Teachers are knowledgeable and regularly assess pupils' understanding, using strategies that reinforce prior learning. However, in some subjects, the checks on curriculum implementation do not provide sufficient insight into pupil learning, leading to missed opportunities for revisiting key knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs receive timely support, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of school life.
Reading is a central focus, with a strong emphasis on phonics from early years. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and the school ensures that reading materials align with pupils' learning levels. This approach helps pupils become confident readers, and older students express a love for reading, discussing various books and themes, including diversity.
The school environment is conducive to learning, with clear behavioral expectations established from early years. Pupils adapt well to routines and demonstrate positive behavior throughout the school. The curriculum also supports pupils' broader development, promoting respect and tolerance for different beliefs and opinions. Pupils engage in enriching experiences through visits and guest speakers, enhancing their understanding of various topics.
Leadership, staff, and governors collaborate effectively to support pupil achievement. Governors hold leaders accountable for maintaining high standards, and there is a focus on staff well-being and manageable workloads. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by leaders and take pride in their work at the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety established. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, ensuring pupils are informed about safety, including online safety and awareness of local dangers. Overall, St Hilda’s Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and effective educational environment, with areas identified for improvement related to curriculum implementation checks to enhance pupil learning further.
