Moorside Primary School, located in Swinton, Greater Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 29 and 30, 2021. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils arrive with smiles and receive friendly greetings from their teachers. The relationships between pupils and staff are warm, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of their pupils' needs and encouraging them to strive for excellence. The school promotes a culture of kindness, with pupils expressing that bullying is rare and that any incidents are dealt with swiftly by teachers. Pupils feel comfortable sharing their worries, knowing that staff will listen and support them.
The school maintains high expectations for both learning and behavior, which pupils understand and adhere to. They are motivated to earn rewards for positive attitudes, such as ‘class smileys’ that can lead to fun activities like ice-cream afternoons. The leadership team is dedicated to providing a broad range of experiences for all pupils, organizing regular trips and extracurricular activities, including mountain biking and gardening. Pupils appreciate their roles in the school community, such as being pupil governors or members of the eco-council.
The curriculum at Moorside Primary is well-structured and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for their future learning. Leaders ensure that the curriculum is relevant to pupils, incorporating local history to help them connect with their community. In the early years, children are supported in developing their understanding of science and language skills through engaging activities.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, teachers do not consistently recap previously taught content, which can hinder pupils' ability to recall key knowledge. This indicates a need for a more systematic approach to reviewing prior learning to reinforce understanding. While the school has made significant strides in promoting a love of reading, ensuring that all pupils are fluent readers, there is still a need for ongoing assessment and support for those who may fall behind.
The school’s commitment to safeguarding is evident, with effective arrangements in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. Staff receive regular training to identify signs of abuse and are encouraged to report any concerns. The curriculum also addresses important issues such as gang culture and online safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate potential dangers in their lives.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school’s mission, providing valuable oversight and encouragement to leaders. Staff express pride in being part of the Moorside community and feel valued by the leadership team, which has positively impacted their workload and well-being.
Overall, Moorside Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal development. The school is well-regarded by parents and the community, and its commitment to continuous improvement will help ensure that it remains a good school in the future. The next steps involve enhancing the curriculum delivery to ensure that all pupils can build on their prior knowledge effectively, thereby further strengthening their learning outcomes.
