Oldfield Brow Primary School, located in Altrincham, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 10 and 11, 2024. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and proud to attend. Students express that they are well cared for by the staff, who are always available to assist with any concerns. The school promotes high aspirations for pupil achievement, encouraging them to excel in all areas of their education. This culture of ambition is evident as pupils enthusiastically share their learning experiences with inspectors and their families during school assemblies.
Pupils demonstrate commendable behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They articulate the school’s core values of respect, reflection, innovation, collaboration, and aspiration, and they actively engage in upholding these principles. The school community emphasizes the importance of respecting individual differences, which contributes to a positive atmosphere. Additionally, pupils benefit from a variety of enriching extracurricular activities, including art, yoga, martial arts, and sports. They also participate in events beyond the school, such as concerts and sports tournaments, and eagerly anticipate upcoming school trips.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant strides in enhancing the curriculum, particularly in the early years. This focus has resulted in children receiving a strong foundation for their future learning. The school has effectively identified the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire across many subjects, although some areas still require refinement to ensure all pupils achieve a comprehensive understanding over time. Staff members possess a solid grasp of their subjects and employ suitable activities to deliver the curriculum effectively. They receive ongoing support and training, which aids in their professional development.
Reading is prioritized at Oldfield Brow Primary School, with staff fostering a love for literature through carefully selected books and well-stocked reading areas. The school has implemented an effective phonics program, ensuring that children in the Nursery are exposed to songs, rhymes, and stories that enhance their communication skills. This preparation allows them to engage with phonics from the start of Reception, leading to most pupils becoming fluent readers by the time they leave the school.
The school has established positive strategies to support pupil attendance, working closely with families to improve the attendance of a small number of students. The environment is calm and purposeful, with pupils understanding the significance of regular attendance to benefit from the educational opportunities available. The school also provides a well-structured program that supports pupils' wider development, teaching them the impact of their actions on the school and community. Pupils engage in leadership roles and social enterprise activities, further enhancing their personal growth.
Staff members express high levels of satisfaction regarding the support they receive for their workload and well-being. They appreciate the time allocated to fulfill their roles effectively and are committed to the school’s vision for continuous improvement. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school has made considerable progress, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects require further refinement in determining the essential knowledge pupils should learn and the sequence in which this knowledge is presented. Additionally, there are instances where staff do not promptly identify and address pupils' misunderstandings, which can hinder their learning. Addressing these areas will help ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. Overall, Oldfield Brow Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
