St Philip’s CofE Primary School in Salford has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported. The high expectations set by the school contribute to pupils' confidence and pride in their learning. This positive atmosphere is evident among all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who achieve well during their time at the school.
The school maintains clear behavior systems that foster a calm and orderly environment, allowing pupils to thrive. Children, including those in the early years, feel safe and secure, knowing they have trusted adults to turn to if they have concerns. Respect and tolerance are emphasized, with pupils taking pride in the school's diverse community and welcoming new friends from various backgrounds. The school effectively supports pupils who arrive from other countries, helping them learn English and integrate into the wider curriculum.
Pupils benefit from a variety of enrichment opportunities, including after-school and lunchtime clubs that cover activities such as multisports, band ensemble, and drama. The school encourages students to explore their interests further by participating in local community clubs, such as cricket and tennis.
The curriculum is designed with careful consideration of pupils' needs and interests, flowing well from early years to later stages. However, there are some subjects in key stages one and two where the curriculum is still being refined. This has led to occasional uncertainty among teachers regarding the essential knowledge pupils need to build a solid foundation for future learning. In subjects where the curriculum is well-structured, staff effectively assess pupils' understanding and ensure that previous learning is revisited, aiding knowledge retention over time.
The school prioritizes early reading instruction, with staff receiving regular training to deliver the phonics program effectively. Parents are involved through workshops that help them support their children's reading development at home. In the early years, children are guided in developing their listening skills, which prepares them for future learning.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, ensuring that they can learn alongside their peers. This includes tailored support for those in the specially resourced provision for communication and language needs. Children in the early years quickly adapt to school life, forming secure relationships with adults and peers, which continues as they progress through the school.
Pastoral support is a strong aspect of the school, with well-planned trips and external speakers addressing local issues such as gang violence and healthy relationships. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, fostering a sense of responsibility and citizenship.
Staff feel supported in their roles, with the school considering their workload and well-being when implementing changes. The governing body works effectively with school leaders and the local church community to ensure the school's smooth operation.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. However, the school recognizes the need to finalize its curriculum development in certain subjects and refine its assessment systems to enhance pupils' knowledge retention. Overall, St Philip’s CofE Primary School provides a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and achievement.
