Mossfield Primary School, located in Swinton, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. The school fosters a welcoming and friendly environment where pupils are eager to learn and engage with their peers. The diverse community is highly valued by the students, who appreciate the opportunity to learn about each other's backgrounds. The school sets high standards for achievement, and pupils respond positively to these expectations, demonstrating attentiveness and hard work in their lessons, which contributes to their overall success.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they understand the importance of the school's rules and adhere to them, creating a calm and respectful atmosphere. This positive environment extends to playtimes, where students enjoy their interactions. The school offers a variety of trips and visits that enhance learning experiences, such as rock climbing and canoeing during residential stays. Additionally, guest speakers during events like Careers Week provide insights into various professions, encouraging pupils to think about their future aspirations.
Mossfield Primary School has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum, carefully outlining the essential knowledge required in each subject. This curriculum is structured into manageable steps from early years through to Year 6. Most teachers possess strong subject knowledge, enabling them to create effective learning activities that facilitate the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. They regularly assess pupils' understanding and promptly address any misconceptions, leading to good achievement across most subjects. However, there are a few subjects where teachers' subject knowledge could be improved to ensure that the curriculum is delivered as effectively as intended, as some pupils may not feel as secure in their learning in these areas.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and provides appropriate support to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers are well-trained to adapt learning activities, which allows pupils with SEND to progress effectively. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, beginning in the Reception Year, with regular assessments to monitor reading development. This approach has resulted in most pupils becoming fluent and confident readers by the end of Year 2.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in school life, with opportunities to apply for roles such as prefects. The school promotes understanding and respect for different religions and cultures, teaching pupils about diversity and the importance of not judging others based on appearances or preferences. They also learn about online safety and what constitutes a healthy relationship.
The school is attentive to staff workload and well-being, collaborating with teachers to develop a new marking approach that reduces workload while ensuring staff feel valued. Parents and carers express confidence in approaching the school with concerns, and the school actively engages with them to support their children's education through workshops on early reading and phonics.
Governors are well-informed about the school and provide both support and challenge to ensure the best outcomes for pupils. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The inspection concluded that while the school continues to be good, there is a need for improvement in specific subjects where teachers require further subject-specific knowledge to enhance the delivery of the curriculum. This inspection marks the first ungraded assessment since the school was last judged to be good in September 2018.
