Alma Park Primary School, located in Levenshulme, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where pupils arrive eager to learn. The leadership has fostered a community that values kindness and respect, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its students. Positive relationships are evident among staff and pupils, contributing to a harmonious learning environment.
The staff at Alma Park Primary School maintain high expectations for both learning and behavior. Classrooms are calm, and pupils demonstrate attentiveness and enthusiasm during lessons. They engage actively in discussions and express excitement about their learning. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, school leaders address them effectively, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
The school offers a variety of extra-curricular and enrichment activities that complement the curriculum. These activities enhance pupils' understanding of their local area, including its historical and cultural significance. Pupils have enjoyed educational trips to places such as Nico Ditch, Jodrell Bank, and the Royal Northern College of Music, which have enriched their learning experiences.
Since the last inspection, there have been notable changes in leadership across the school. The governing body and school leaders have managed these transitions effectively, prioritizing the teaching of phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics. The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum outlines a clear sequence of learning from early years to Year 6, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge over time.
While most teachers deliver the curriculum effectively, some subjects have undergone recent changes that have not yet been fully implemented in practice. This has led to instances where teachers may not select the most suitable activities for pupils to grasp essential knowledge and vocabulary. Additionally, although teachers generally use effective methods to assess pupils' understanding, there are occasions when assessments do not adequately identify gaps in learning, hindering the ability to build on prior knowledge.
The phonics program is consistently taught across the school, resulting in a positive start for children in reading. Pupils in the early years learn to identify and read sounds, which supports their fluency and accuracy in reading. The school ensures that reading materials are well-matched to pupils' abilities, providing additional support for those who struggle.
Pupils with special educational needs receive timely and appropriate support tailored to their individual needs. The school’s specially resourced provision for pupils with sensory support is well-managed, allowing these pupils to engage fully in the curriculum alongside their peers. The early years foundation stage provides a vocabulary-rich environment, fostering confidence and cooperation among children.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, rarely disrupting learning. They are motivated to succeed and demonstrate kindness towards one another. The school encourages a strong sense of community pride, with pupils actively participating in fundraising and charity events. They learn about and respect diverse cultures and faiths, with initiatives like Deaf Awareness Week promoting equality and inclusion.
Staff members express pride in their work at Alma Park Primary School, appreciating the support from leaders in managing their workload and well-being. The governing body plays an essential role in both challenging and supporting school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about how to address concerns regarding pupil welfare. The curriculum includes lessons on staying safe, both online and offline, ensuring that pupils are aware of local risks and know whom to approach if they feel anxious or worried.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that teachers in foundation subjects employ effective pedagogical strategies that align closely with the intended curriculum. This will help pupils achieve consistently across all subjects. Additionally, leaders should enhance assessment practices to provide teachers with the necessary information to address gaps in pupils' knowledge effectively. Overall, Alma Park Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
