Moston Fields Primary School, located in Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted several areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel valued and included. The community is diverse, and students readily embrace new arrivals, fostering a sense of belonging. The school promotes high expectations for behavior, encouraging pupils to be ready, respectful, and safe. They engage positively in their learning and look forward to recognition during assemblies, which boosts their morale and pride in their achievements.
Despite the positive atmosphere, the quality of education at Moston Fields Primary School requires improvement. The curriculum has been redesigned to be ambitious, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, weaknesses in the previous curriculum have left some pupils underprepared for the next stages of their education. The school has faced recent instability in staffing, including leadership roles, which has impacted the consistency of educational delivery. Nevertheless, strong relationships among staff and between staff and pupils have been maintained, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
The governing body has seen changes, with new members receiving guidance from long-standing governors to ensure effective oversight and support for the school. Improvements have been made in subject curriculums, which are now logically ordered to help pupils build knowledge over time. Teachers are becoming more adept at identifying and addressing errors during lessons. However, there are still challenges in the early years, where learning activities sometimes lack the depth needed to reinforce children's knowledge and vocabulary effectively.
The school is refining its assessment systems, but inconsistencies remain in identifying and addressing gaps in pupils' knowledge. Attendance is another area of concern, as many pupils are frequently absent, which hinders their learning progress. The school is actively working on strategies to improve attendance and ensure that all pupils can benefit from the educational opportunities provided.
Moston Fields Primary School has made significant strides in teaching reading, prioritizing it within the curriculum. High-quality texts are integrated into various subjects, and pupils express enjoyment in reading activities. However, some students still have considerable gaps in their reading knowledge, and the school is taking steps to address these issues.
Pupils are supported in recognizing and regulating their emotions, contributing to positive behavior and attitudes towards learning. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' experiences and foster their interests and talents. Leadership opportunities, such as participation in the school council, help pupils develop a mature understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection report emphasizes the need for the school to identify and address gaps in learning more consistently, particularly for those in the early years. Additionally, improving the quality of activities provided for younger children is essential for their progress. The school is encouraged to build on its strategies to enhance attendance, ensuring that all pupils can engage fully in their education and achieve their potential. Overall, while Moston Fields Primary School has a strong foundation, focused efforts are needed to address the identified areas for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.