All Saints’ Church of England Primary School in Rochdale, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 20-21, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and enjoy attending. Students report that making friends is easy due to the kindness exhibited among peers, and they feel respected and safe within the school community. The school emphasizes the importance of safety, including online safety, and pupils express confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues, including bullying, which is reported to be infrequent.
The learning atmosphere at All Saints’ is engaging, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm and effort in their studies. Teachers maintain high expectations for both behavior and academic performance, and students appreciate the variety of extracurricular activities available, such as sports clubs and science club. The school leaders, including governors, are committed to the pupils' success and are aware of the need to enhance language skills and vocabulary while providing diverse experiences to broaden students' understanding of the world.
Reading is prioritized at All Saints’, with a structured approach to phonics instruction. Teachers are well-trained, and the school has implemented a well-curated selection of texts to encourage reading. The library has been refurbished to create an inviting space for students to explore books. The phonics program is effective, resulting in Year 1 pupils achieving outcomes in line with national averages. Older students develop a love for reading and can discuss their books confidently.
In mathematics, the school has recognized that attainment in Key Stage 1 has been below average and has adjusted its teaching methods accordingly. There is a focus on building confidence and fluency in mathematical concepts, which is positively impacting pupils' learning. The curriculum is logically sequenced, allowing students to build their knowledge over time. However, some older pupils struggle with recalling number facts quickly, which can slow their progress.
Geography and science are well-structured subjects, with learning effectively building from year to year. Pupils enjoy exploring different places and understanding geographical concepts. However, there are inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculum across classes, leading to some unnecessary repetition and gaps in coverage. This inconsistency can hinder the overall strength of pupils' learning experiences.
The early years curriculum is well-planned, focusing on language development, phonics, and early reading skills. Staff are attentive to the needs of children, particularly those with limited outdoor access at home, ensuring they can utilize the school's outdoor learning area effectively. The school also provides good support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering positive relationships with external agencies to ensure these pupils receive the necessary assistance.
Despite efforts to improve attendance, it remains below the national average, partly due to parents taking children on unauthorized holidays. The school has implemented reward systems to encourage good attendance and is proactive in addressing regular absences. Behaviour across the school is generally good, with high expectations set by staff. Children in the early years adapt quickly and learn to interact positively with their peers.
Staff members feel valued and supported, benefiting from training opportunities and manageable workloads. The school prioritizes safeguarding, with effective procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive regular training to recognize signs of distress or risk among students, and the school maintains thorough records of staff suitability checks.
While the school has made significant strides in various areas, there are still opportunities for improvement. Leaders need to ensure consistent implementation of curriculum plans across all classes to maximize learning benefits. Additionally, older pupils would benefit from further support in developing their mathematical fluency and reasoning skills. Continued efforts are necessary to enhance attendance rates, particularly in addressing the issue of unauthorized holidays. Overall, All Saints’ Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
