Arundale Primary School, located in Mottram, Hyde, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe and happy. The staff effectively address any bullying issues, contributing to a positive school environment. Pupils express appreciation for the support they receive from leaders and staff, including the presence of Sadie, the school therapy dog, who is regarded as a valued member of the school community.
The school promotes its HEART values, which stand for hard work, equity, aspiration, resilience, and teamwork. These values are integrated into all aspects of school life, and pupils are encouraged to meet the high expectations set by the leaders regarding their work and behavior. The positive attitudes and conduct of the pupils reflect the school’s ethos, and they actively participate in a points system that rewards good behavior and hard work with prizes.
Arundale Primary School provides an attractive and inspiring learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. Pupils benefit from numerous opportunities to enhance their learning beyond the classroom. Leadership roles within the school, such as those in the enterprise team, eco-council, and sports ambassadors, allow pupils to contribute to the school community and develop their skills.
The curriculum at Arundale Primary School is well-structured and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to a rich variety of learning experiences. Staff have collaborated to outline what pupils will learn in each subject from early years through Year 6, carefully considering the sequence in which new content is introduced. In lessons, teachers effectively deliver the curriculum as intended, providing clear explanations and using assessment information to identify gaps in knowledge.
While teachers are increasingly incorporating activities that encourage pupils to recall recent learning, there is a need for leaders to clearly identify the most important subject-specific concepts that pupils should revisit over time. This lack of clarity can lead to some pupils struggling to retain key information in the long term. Additionally, staff do not consistently check that pupils can connect new learning with prior knowledge from previous years or key stages.
The youngest children at the school receive a strong start, responding well to their teachers and confidently taking on new challenges. Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with leaders creating engaging reading areas to foster a love of reading among pupils. The early reading program is taught consistently, enabling pupils to learn sounds from the start of their schooling. By the end of key stage two, pupils demonstrate considerable reading expertise and positive attitudes towards reading.
Pupils with special educational needs achieve as well as their peers, thanks to effective collaboration with external partners who provide timely support. The school’s commitment to inclusivity allows these pupils to learn alongside their classmates. Overall, pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, helping each other and maintaining focus during lessons, particularly in English and mathematics.
Governors and leaders are dedicated to broadening pupils’ understanding of the wider world through various opportunities. Pupils enjoy engaging with their well-resourced school grounds and participating in local visits, such as a recent trip to Chester Zoo. They demonstrate respect for others and possess a solid understanding of different faiths and cultures, as well as British values like democracy and individual liberty.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders and staff showing genuine care for pupils and their families. They work collaboratively with external partners to ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding roles, maintaining meticulous records to identify any pupils at risk of neglect or harm. The curriculum also includes age-appropriate safety education, covering topics such as responsible internet use.
To improve, leaders should ensure that teachers are clear about the key concepts to be taught in each subject and when to revisit them. This will help pupils retain prior learning and enhance their overall educational experience. The school continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils.
