Manley Park Primary School, located in Whalley Range, Manchester, has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection conducted on May 8 and 9, 2024. This marks a continuation of its previous outstanding status from the last inspection in October 2011. The school is recognized for its exceptional quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils express a strong sense of privilege in attending the school, highlighting the remarkable range of opportunities available to them, which begins in the early years. They report significant growth in confidence, particularly those who have recently arrived from other countries. The school fosters a culture of equality and respect for diversity, with pupils actively supporting one another, including those who speak English as an additional language.
The academic expectations at Manley Park are notably high, ensuring that all pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to achieve exceptional outcomes. Pupils are motivated to meet the school's aspirations, demonstrating exemplary behavior in all settings, including classrooms and social areas. The school provides well-designed activities that promote physical and mental well-being, with peer leaders ensuring that all students feel included and safe during break times.
The curriculum at Manley Park is ambitious and well-structured, clearly outlining the learning objectives across all subjects. This clarity allows teachers to focus effectively on essential content, preventing pupils from feeling overwhelmed. The consistency in teaching practices across the school is evident, with regular assessments ensuring that pupils have a solid understanding of their learning. This approach is particularly beneficial for those with additional needs, enabling them to engage fully with new material.
Recent national assessments for Year 6 pupils indicate strong performance, particularly in mathematics, while current achievements reflect high success across the curriculum. Pupils possess a broad and secure knowledge base, preparing them well for future educational stages. The school effectively supports pupils in the early stages of learning English, helping them to settle quickly and enhance their language skills.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with pupils exposed to a diverse range of literature that broadens their understanding of the world. The early years program lays a strong foundation for reading, with children engaging in songs, rhymes, and stories that support their phonics development. By the end of the Reception Year, many children demonstrate impressive reading skills, and most become fluent readers by the conclusion of Key Stage 1.
The school is adept at identifying and addressing the additional needs of pupils, ensuring that those with special educational needs achieve remarkable progress from their starting points. Attendance rates are high, and the school provides effective support for those with attendance concerns, leading to significant improvements.
Manley Park Primary School offers unique and engaging activities that inspire pupils to explore new interests and develop skills. The school environment encourages students to discover their talents, with many sharing their achievements in various areas, from sports to music and leadership roles. Governance at the school is strong, with a focus on strategic direction and staff well-being.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Manley Park Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and challenging atmosphere that fosters both academic and personal growth for its students.
