Mather Street Primary School, located in Failsworth, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 16 and 17, 2021. The school is characterized by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where pupils enjoy attending. Leaders and staff prioritize getting to know students and their families, fostering a sense of safety and belonging. New students are integrated smoothly into the school community, allowing them to adapt quickly to school life.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. Teachers maintain high expectations for student conduct, and pupils demonstrate respect for one another and the adults in their environment. Younger students are eager to assist their classmates, while older pupils take their leadership roles seriously, contributing positively to the school community. The school has a low incidence of name-calling and bullying, and when conflicts arise, staff are proactive in helping students resolve issues.
Educational trips and visits enhance the learning experience, providing pupils with opportunities to explore subjects like history, science, and geography. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, and older students take pride in participating in community events, such as Remembrance Day ceremonies. Teachers encourage hard work and ensure that pupils retain knowledge across the curriculum, leading to strong progress in subjects like reading and mathematics. Pupils express particular enjoyment in subjects such as mathematics, English, and history.
The school has carefully considered the curriculum needs of its pupils, developing clear plans for what should be taught and when. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to the implementation of these plans, resulting in some teachers feeling less confident in delivering certain aspects of the curriculum. Despite this, curriculum leaders are actively monitoring teaching effectiveness and providing necessary training and support to staff. The school continues to ensure that pupils achieve well, including those in the early years.
Reading instruction is a priority, with most pupils learning to read effectively. Leaders are committed to ensuring that every pupil has a strong start in reading, having introduced a new phonics curriculum. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception class and is consistently applied across key stage one, boosting pupils' confidence. Teachers provide additional support to those who struggle with reading, helping them catch up quickly.
The school is inclusive, adapting curriculum delivery for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, enabling them to make significant progress. Pupils with SEND are fully integrated into school life alongside their peers. The return of trips and clubs has been met with enthusiasm, and older pupils enjoy mentoring younger students and participating in sports tournaments.
Staff express pride in their work at the school, feeling supported by leaders who consider their well-being and workload. Governors play an active role in supporting the school, utilizing their expertise to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. However, the pandemic has affected some of their previous methods of evaluation, prompting a reevaluation of how they assess the impact of the new curriculum on pupil learning.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff receiving regular training to identify and support pupils facing challenges. Leaders ensure that pupils learn about safety and health through the personal development program, including online safety education. To improve, the school must ensure that all teaching staff deliver the new curriculum effectively, as some pupils are not achieving their full potential. Additionally, governors need to enhance their understanding of how to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum to support pupil achievement.
