Located in the heart of Royton, Oldham, St Anne's CofE (Aided) Primary School has once again been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 28-29, 2020. The school, which caters to children aged 3 to 11, has built a reputation for fostering a friendly and welcoming environment where high expectations are set for all pupils.
The inspection report highlights the school's commitment to creating a safe and happy atmosphere for its students. Leaders and teachers emphasize the importance of tolerance and respect, which are modeled daily by staff. This nurturing environment encourages pupils to collaborate during lessons and playtimes, fostering a sense of community and enthusiasm for learning.
Pupils at St Anne's are not only engaged in their academic pursuits but also enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities. The school offers numerous clubs and after-school events, with a particular emphasis on sports. Annual residential trips for Year 5 and Year 6 students further enrich their educational experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
Feedback from parents and carers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction regarding their children's happiness and safety at school. While some pupils reported occasional bullying, they noted that staff are quick to address any issues, ensuring a supportive environment for all.
St Anne's excels in promoting reading and mathematics across the curriculum. From their first days in Nursery, children are introduced to a rich array of stories and poems, with skilled teachers guiding them through phonics. This strong foundation results in most pupils meeting the expected standards in the Year 1 phonics screening check. Additionally, the school's mathematics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to develop confidence in their arithmetic skills.
The school has also made strides in personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education, focusing on topics such as equality and mental health. This curriculum not only supports academic learning but also contributes to the overall well-being and behavior of pupils.
Despite its many strengths, the inspection identified areas for growth, particularly in the history curriculum. While pupils expressed enjoyment in learning about the past, gaps in their knowledge were evident. The school leadership is aware of these challenges and has recently revised the curriculum plans for subjects beyond English and mathematics to provide clearer guidance for teachers. Furthermore, some teachers need to enhance their understanding of pupil progress in history to ensure that all students are adequately challenged and supported in their learning.
The school's safeguarding measures are robust, with effective systems in place to protect pupils. All staff are trained to recognize and act on any concerns regarding student welfare, ensuring a secure environment for learning.
St Anne's CofE (Aided) Primary School continues to be a pillar of excellence in education, demonstrating a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of its pupils. With ongoing efforts to refine its curriculum and address identified areas for improvement, the school is well-positioned to maintain its good standing and further enhance the educational experience for all students. For more information about St Anne's, visit their website at www.stannesroyton.oldham.sch.uk.
