Vernon Park Primary School, located in Stockport, Cheshire, has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection in February 2014, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The latest inspection has rated the school as outstanding in all areas, including the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behavior and safety of pupils, and leadership and management. The headteacher, leadership team, and governors have effectively collaborated to ensure that teaching and achievement are of the highest standard, leading to rapid progress since the last inspection.
Children enter the school with skills below the expected levels for their age, particularly in the Nursery class. However, they make rapid and sustained progress in literacy and numeracy due to well-planned and engaging experiences. Standards have significantly improved in Key Stages 1 and 2, with pupils making outstanding progress that surpasses the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school employs rigorous tracking of pupils' learning and progress, ensuring that all staff maintain high expectations and provide challenging activities for all abilities.
The behavior of pupils is exemplary, as they demonstrate confidence and respect towards each other and adults. They feel safe in the school environment, which fosters a positive atmosphere for learning. The school effectively utilizes information about pupil performance to ensure that all groups make rapid progress. The governors play a crucial role in allocating resources wisely, including the effective use of pupil premium funding, which contributes positively to the achievement of eligible pupils.
The inspection involved observing teaching across all classes, with inspectors witnessing 20 lessons and engaging with pupils to assess their reading and learning experiences. The leadership team, including senior and middle leaders, actively participates in monitoring the quality of teaching and the progress of pupils, ensuring that the school continuously improves.
Vernon Park Primary School is larger than the average primary school, with a diverse pupil population. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and those eligible for pupil premium funding is above the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, indicating that it provides a satisfactory level of education for its pupils.
To further enhance its performance, the school aims to strengthen its partnership with parents, particularly in recruiting parent governors and engaging all parents in the school community. The leadership team recognizes the importance of involving parents in their children's education and is committed to fostering these relationships.
Overall, Vernon Park Primary School has demonstrated outstanding performance across all areas, with a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching, effective leadership, and a supportive learning environment. The school is well-equipped to continue its trajectory of improvement and ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. The commitment to excellence is evident in the school's practices, and the positive outcomes for pupils reflect the dedication of the entire school community.
