Worthington Primary School, located in Sale, Cheshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, as evidenced by the positive feedback from pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Students express happiness in their learning experiences, highlighting the engaging nature of lessons and the supportive environment fostered by staff. The school encourages participation in extracurricular activities, which contributes to a sense of pride and belonging among pupils. Attendance is high, and students arrive punctually, reflecting their enthusiasm for school.
In the early years, children in Nursery are provided with a rich learning environment that promotes vocabulary development and knowledge acquisition. Staff effectively engage children in meaningful conversations, laying a strong foundation for their educational journey. Pupils report having many friends and feel safe at school, with bullying and disruptive behavior being rare occurrences. The school’s staff are quick to address any issues, ensuring a positive atmosphere for all students.
Leadership at Worthington Primary is characterized by warmth and acceptance, fostering strong relationships among staff, pupils, and parents. The school community is inclusive, with a focus on developing pupils' personal skills and knowledge. The curriculum is designed to expose students to diverse perspectives, including the contributions of various cultural groups. Pupils enjoy the curriculum, describing lessons as fun and interesting, which supports their positive behavior and engagement in learning.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are actively working to enhance the curriculum, particularly in subjects where planning is less effective. Some pupils struggle to retain knowledge and vocabulary, which impacts their overall achievement. The school is addressing these gaps by refining curriculum plans to ensure that essential knowledge is prioritized and logically sequenced.
Pupils' attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics is above average, with those with special educational needs achieving well. However, some disadvantaged pupils do not perform as successfully as their peers, and the school is taking steps to address this issue. The teaching of phonics and reading requires further development, as some pupils in the early years and key stages one and two do not acquire the necessary skills to become confident readers. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that staff have up-to-date knowledge of phonics instruction and that struggling readers are provided with appropriate resources.
The safeguarding arrangements at Worthington Primary are effective, with pupils feeling safe and supported. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding responsibilities, and leaders ensure that concerns are appropriately referred to external agencies. However, record-keeping related to safeguarding needs to be more thorough to ensure comprehensive documentation of pupil welfare.
In summary, Worthington Primary School is a good school with a strong commitment to the education and well-being of its pupils. The school excels in creating a positive learning environment and fostering strong relationships within the school community. Continued focus on curriculum development, particularly in reading and vocabulary retention, will further enhance the educational experience for all students. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for improvement, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
