Wigan Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 25 and 26, 2023. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils are very happy and encouraged to adopt the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Leaders promote a culture of high expectations, urging students to learn like champions and achieve more than they thought possible. This positive atmosphere is reflected in the pupils' enjoyment of learning and their commendable behavior towards peers and adults. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, ensuring that any incidents of unkind behavior are addressed promptly, helping students understand the impact of their actions on others. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach if they have concerns.
The school excels in providing opportunities for pupils' wider development, encouraging participation in cultural and artistic activities beyond the classroom. Students engage in learning musical instruments and participate in unique sports such as orienteering and dodgeball. They are taught the importance of helping others and environmental stewardship, taking on responsibilities like being eco-councillors and library monitors.
Leaders have established a well-structured and ambitious curriculum that considers the local area's characteristics. Teachers are well-informed about what to teach and when, ensuring that pupils meet specific learning objectives throughout the year. They utilize strong subject knowledge to select suitable activities, provide clear explanations, and ask questions that deepen understanding. Regular assessments allow teachers to identify gaps in knowledge and adjust their teaching accordingly. However, in a few subjects, there are challenges with long-term memory retention, leading to some pupils struggling to recall previous learning, which can hinder their progress.
The school demonstrates expertise in teaching early reading, with a consistent approach to phonics that benefits all pupils, including those in the early years. The engaging phonics sessions foster a love for reading, and pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure from a diverse selection of books available in well-stocked libraries. Staff actively promote reading, and pupils express excitement about interacting with authors and expanding their reading choices.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-implemented, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve success. Staff build positive relationships with students, using praise and humor to create a calm and orderly classroom environment. While some pupils may occasionally struggle with behavior regulation, staff are skilled at managing these situations effectively.
Pupils benefit from various experiences that enhance their social and cultural development, including participation in local festivals and residential trips that promote independence and resilience. Despite the school's comprehensive spiritual, moral, social, and cultural policy, some pupils still lack knowledge about the diverse faiths and cultures present in modern Britain.
Staff feel valued by leaders, who consider their workload and well-being in decision-making. The governing body plays a significant role in the school's improvement efforts. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and regular training for staff to identify and support at-risk pupils. Overall, while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects effectively support long-term knowledge retention and enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and faiths.
