Norris Bank Primary School, located in Heaton Norris, Stockport, continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on July 23 and 24, 2024. The school is characterized by a caring and welcoming environment where pupils are eager to learn. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a positive atmosphere that fosters curiosity and engagement in lessons. The teaching methods employed by the staff are noted for their effectiveness, leading to high expectations for pupil learning across most subjects. This is evident in the strong outcomes achieved by pupils in national tests at the end of key stage two.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students embodying the school’s GROW values by showing respect for others and collaborating effectively. In the early years, children engage in discussions about their learning, which promotes teamwork and collective achievement. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular clubs that enhance pupils' sporting skills and broader interests, including entrepreneurial activities such as growing produce in the school garden and selling carrot cake. Additionally, annual residential trips for key stage two pupils enrich their educational experience, and opportunities to learn musical instruments are also available.
The school has recently implemented a new phonics teaching program, ensuring that staff are well-trained to deliver a consistent and effective curriculum. In the early years, phonics instruction begins promptly, with teachers effectively assessing children's understanding of sounds. In key stage one, staff focus on precise pronunciation, supporting pupils in their reading development. The phonics program has shown positive results, contributing to pupils becoming confident and fluent readers.
Norris Bank Primary has established an ambitious curriculum across most subjects, clearly defining key learning aspects that pupils are expected to remember. Teachers utilize this framework to set clear expectations for pupil learning and assess their knowledge accurately, which aids in deepening understanding. However, in a few subjects, the school has not sufficiently defined essential subject-specific knowledge, leading to some uncertainty among staff regarding what pupils need to learn for future success. This has resulted in less effective recall of key knowledge in those areas.
The school has robust systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring effective support that enables these pupils to access the curriculum and achieve ambitious goals. Disruption to learning is rare, and when it occurs, staff address it swiftly to maintain focus on education. The school prioritizes regular attendance and has effective measures to tackle persistent absenteeism, resulting in high attendance rates.
Pupils are educated on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and nutrition, and they learn about maintaining healthy relationships. Cultural awareness is promoted through activities such as tasting different foods in language lessons and learning about various faiths, fostering a strong understanding of equality among pupils.
While the school supports staff well-being, some staff members report that their workload can become unmanageable during peak times. Governors are encouraged to engage more meaningfully with staff to understand the pressures they face. Despite this, the majority of staff express pride in being part of the school and enjoy their work. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Norris Bank Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while continuously seeking areas for improvement.
