CofE School of the Resurrection in Manchester underwent an inspection on January 10 and 11, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. Pupils express a strong enjoyment of attending the school, appreciating the supportive environment created by the staff. They feel safe and know that their concerns will be addressed effectively. The school has established high expectations for behavior and learning, encapsulated in the ethos of being ready, respectful, safe, and kind, known as the Resurrection Way. This framework encourages pupils to engage positively in their education, leading to effective learning from Nursery through Year 6.
The school promotes a culture of respect and understanding, celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of right and wrong among pupils. They engage in thoughtful discussions and debates, demonstrating maturity in their interactions. The range of extracurricular activities available, including music, sports, and clubs, is well-received by pupils, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Leaders and staff have diligently revised the curriculum, ensuring that it covers a broad range of subjects and is well-structured. The curriculum in the early years effectively prepares children for their transition to Year 1, and learning builds progressively across all subjects. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and clarity in their teaching objectives. However, there are instances where the delivery of new content lacks consistency, which can hinder pupils' understanding and learning pace.
Assessment practices are generally sensible, with leaders using assessment information to inform future teaching. Nonetheless, there are occasions when teachers do not effectively check pupils' understanding, leading to missed opportunities to address misconceptions. This inconsistency can slow down the learning process for some pupils.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a structured phonics program starting in the Nursery Year. Staff are well-trained, and regular assessments help identify pupils who need additional support, ensuring that most become proficient readers. Pupils express enjoyment in reading and share their experiences with various books.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with leaders accurately identifying needs and providing effective in-class and additional support. This ensures that these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers and learn effectively.
Pupils generally exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, showing enthusiasm and a desire to succeed. Attendance rates are strong, although a small number of pupils occasionally display challenging behavior. Staff manage these situations effectively, minimizing disruption to learning.
The school's personal development initiatives are highly effective, with a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum that reinforces the values taught in other subjects. Pupils learn about British values and their significance through historical examples, enhancing their understanding of democracy and citizenship.
The staff at the school form a committed team, appreciating the leadership provided by senior leaders and governors. They value the manageable workload and the investment in their professional development. Parental involvement is encouraged, with initiatives like family time sessions fostering engagement in children's education.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff who understand their responsibilities. The PSHE curriculum further supports pupils in learning how to keep themselves safe, including online safety and healthy relationships.
To improve, the school should focus on ensuring that teachers consistently present new content clearly and effectively, as well as enhancing the use of assessment to identify and address pupils' misconceptions and gaps in learning.
