Urmston Primary School, located in Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding early years provision. The inspection took place on May 25 and 26, 2023, and the findings reflect the positive changes implemented by the leadership team.
Pupils at Urmston Primary School express a strong fondness for their school, demonstrating a commitment to the values of happiness, respect, kindness, responsibility, pride, and resilience. The leadership and staff have established robust relationships with students and their families, fostering a safe and supportive environment. The ambitious curriculum designed by the leaders aligns with the school’s values and encourages pupils to strive for excellence in both their academic and personal development.
The school has made commendable strides in ensuring that all pupils, including those facing complex challenges and those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, providing children with a strong foundation for their education. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school. Incidents of bullying are rare and effectively managed by the leadership team.
Parental support for the school is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing Urmston Primary as a wonderful community school. The leadership has successfully implemented improvements to the curriculum, ensuring that it is ambitious and well-structured. Subject leaders have clearly identified the knowledge that pupils need to acquire, allowing for a logical progression in learning. This is especially evident in the early years, where children receive a solid start that prepares them well for future learning.
Staff are well-equipped to deliver phonics and early reading programs, ensuring that pupils develop a secure understanding of their learning. Assessment strategies are generally used effectively to monitor pupil progress, although there are instances in a few subjects where misconceptions are not addressed swiftly enough. This can hinder some pupils from making connections between new and prior learning.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, working closely with parents and external agencies to provide necessary support. The approach to managing pupil conduct is effective, resulting in high standards of behavior and minimal disruption to learning. Regular attendance is also a positive aspect of the school community.
Urmston Primary School offers a rich array of extracurricular activities that contribute to pupils' personal development. Students are encouraged to engage in various roles within the school, such as well-being ambassadors and members of the eco-council. The leadership team prioritizes staff well-being and professional development, fostering constructive relationships during a period of significant change.
Governors play an active role in supporting the leadership team, maintaining an accurate understanding of the quality of education and ensuring that decisions prioritize the best interests of pupils. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Strong relationships built on trust enable pupils to feel confident in seeking help when needed.
Overall, Urmston Primary School has made significant progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for further development, particularly in ensuring that all staff consistently utilize assessment strategies to support pupil learning effectively.
