Peel Hall Primary School, located in Wythenshawe, Manchester, underwent an inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of inadequate. This marks a significant decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The inspection highlighted several critical areas of concern, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as inadequate.
The report indicates that while the school has effective systems in place to ensure pupil safety, the behavior of some students creates an environment where others feel anxious and upset. This negatively impacts their enjoyment of school and leads to a lack of engagement in learning. The leadership has been criticized for not taking swift and effective action to address incidents of bullying and discriminatory behavior. Furthermore, the expectations set by governors and leaders regarding pupil behavior and learning are deemed insufficient, resulting in many students displaying apathy towards their education.
The curriculum has also been identified as a significant area needing improvement. Leaders have been slow to enhance the curriculum, and frequent staff absences have hindered its development. The report notes that pupils experience a disjointed learning journey, lacking coherence and continuity from early years through to Year 6. Many staff members do not receive adequate training in their subject areas, leading to a lack of confidence in delivering the curriculum effectively. Consequently, pupils are not achieving well, with considerable gaps in their knowledge and understanding.
The teaching of reading is particularly concerning, as many staff lack the necessary knowledge to teach reading effectively. Although some improvements have been made in early years, the overall approach to phonics and reading instruction is inconsistent, leaving many pupils struggling to read fluently. The report emphasizes that pupils in key stage two do not benefit from a well-structured reading curriculum, which further exacerbates their negative attitudes towards reading.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has seen some recent improvements, particularly in early years, where children are screened for speech and language issues. However, the overall support for these pupils remains inadequate, with many parents expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of assistance provided.
Behavioral issues persist, with a significant number of pupils not adhering to school rules, which disrupts learning for themselves and others. The report highlights that many pupils are frequently absent, further hindering their academic progress. Opportunities for extracurricular learning and community engagement are limited, leaving pupils unprepared for life in modern Britain.
Governance has also been identified as a weakness, with governors lacking the necessary skills to hold leaders accountable effectively. This has contributed to a culture of complacency regarding the school's performance. The report calls for urgent action to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a coherent curriculum, improved teaching practices, and a robust approach to behavior management.
In conclusion, Peel Hall Primary School faces significant challenges that require immediate attention from both leadership and governance. The inspection findings indicate a pressing need for comprehensive improvements to ensure that all pupils receive a quality education and are well-prepared for their future. The school community, including parents and staff, has expressed a lack of confidence in the current leadership's ability to effect meaningful change, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
