Lewis Street Primary School, located in Patricroft, Eccles, Manchester, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection took place on July 10 and 11, 2024. Pupils at Lewis Street Primary express their enjoyment of the welcoming atmosphere fostered by the staff, who create a nurturing and friendly environment. Students, including those in the early years, display happiness and eagerness to learn, largely due to the supportive teaching methods employed by their educators.
The relationships between pupils and staff are excellent, with students feeling safe and trusting the adults in the school. They are encouraged to reflect on and manage their behavior, understanding the impact of their actions on others. The school maintains a calm environment where respect for differing opinions and backgrounds is emphasized. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, leading to commendable achievements across the curriculum.
The school offers a variety of clubs aimed at developing pupils' talents and interests, including arts and crafts, sports, and mindfulness activities. The curriculum is designed to provide enriching experiences that contribute to personal development. For instance, Year 3 pupils perform at a local theater to build confidence, while Year 5 pupils learn fishing to enhance patience and resilience.
In terms of academic performance, the school has clearly defined key knowledge objectives across most subjects, allowing teachers to introduce new learning effectively. Staff adapt their teaching strategies to meet individual pupil needs, including those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs. Most pupils achieve well from their starting points, although there are some subjects where the underlying concepts connecting different aspects of learning are not sufficiently defined. This can lead to gaps in understanding for some pupils.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' recall of recent learning, which helps build on existing knowledge. However, in a few subjects, these assessments do not adequately identify misconceptions that may hinder long-term retention of knowledge. The school has established a consistent approach to phonics instruction, enabling early years children to link letters and sounds effectively, which is reflected in the reading progress of Key Stage 1 pupils.
The specially resourced provision effectively accommodates individual needs, allowing pupils to progress well. The school has implemented programs to support pupils in catching up with their learning, particularly for those who speak English as an additional language. Comprehensive measures are in place to identify additional needs promptly, and staff are trained to support pupils with specific requirements.
While the school has strategies to promote good attendance, persistent absence remains a challenge. The school is committed to improving attendance rates. Additionally, a range of strategies supports pupils' social, emotional, and mental health, including counseling services and activities that promote understanding of relationships.
Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school and actively engage in discussions about improvement priorities. The school has taken steps to reduce staff workload, resulting in a well-designed curriculum in most subjects. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Lewis Street Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience, with areas identified for further improvement to enhance the quality of education.
