All Souls Church of England Primary School, located in Heywood, Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas of evaluation. The school has maintained this high standard since its last inspection in April 2011, when it was also rated outstanding. The school community is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. Teachers are dedicated to fostering high aspirations for their students, equipping them with effective learning behaviors that contribute to their success.
Pupils take pride in their learning and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. The school has established a strong climate for learning that supports all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, and they treat one another with kindness and respect. Any conflicts that arise are resolved quickly with the assistance of staff or peer mediators from the anti-bullying council. The school community celebrates diversity and promotes an understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
Pupils actively contribute to the school’s values and support one another exceptionally well. Initiatives led by pupil leaders and governors enhance the overall experience for students. The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities, ensuring that all pupils can participate and benefit from these opportunities. Furthermore, pupils have taken the initiative to improve their local environment, such as campaigning for litter bins in the community after conducting a litter clean-up.
The leadership and governance of the school demonstrate a strong commitment to providing the best possible education. Governors possess extensive knowledge about the school, enabling them to support and hold the school accountable effectively. The curriculum is ambitious and meticulously designed, beginning in the early years, to provide pupils with a rich body of knowledge. The integration of careers information and enrichment opportunities throughout the curriculum helps to raise pupils’ aspirations and enthusiasm for future learning.
Teachers exhibit strong expertise in understanding how pupils learn, allowing them to create effective learning activities that deepen understanding. The curriculum design is robust, enabling teachers to identify and address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge promptly. As a result, pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of various subjects over time. A love of reading is deeply embedded in the school culture, with a carefully curated selection of texts that pupils encounter throughout their time at All Souls. Younger pupils regularly take home books to read with their families, while older pupils enjoy selecting books from a well-stocked library.
Staff are well-trained in the early reading curriculum and deliver phonics instruction with expertise. They provide additional support to pupils who struggle with phonics, ensuring that all students can keep pace with their peers and develop into confident readers. The school is vigilant in identifying pupils who may need extra help, particularly those with special educational needs. Appropriate support is swiftly implemented, allowing these pupils to succeed in their learning.
The school has developed a comprehensive program to support pupils’ wider development, emphasizing the importance of equality and respect. Learning about different cultures and religions is enhanced through carefully selected authors and guest speakers. A variety of trips and visits are organized to broaden pupils’ social and cultural experiences.
In the early years, staff prioritize helping children settle in quickly and develop essential behaviors such as concentration and cooperation. Pupils demonstrate resilience and a desire to improve their work. The school has effective systems in place to address any behavioral issues, although such instances are rare due to pupils’ ability to manage their own behavior.
Staff benefit from numerous professional development opportunities, receiving strong support from leaders and governors. This equips them to perform their roles confidently and continue their professional growth. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, All Souls Church of England Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
