R L Hughes Primary School, located in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe, benefiting from positive relationships with peers and staff. The leadership team, including governors, is ambitious for all students to succeed academically and develop as well-rounded individuals. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well across various subjects.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a generally positive atmosphere where learning is rarely interrupted. Effective systems are in place to identify and address bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as play leaders and members of the eco-council, which fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, with a clear organization of key knowledge from early years to Year 6. Leaders prioritize ongoing training for teachers, enhancing their subject knowledge and teaching effectiveness. Teachers regularly assess what pupils know and remember, providing opportunities for revisiting previous learning before introducing new concepts. This approach helps pupils build a solid foundation of knowledge, contributing to their overall achievement.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, recent revisions to the curriculum have not yet been fully implemented across all year groups, leading to some uncertainty among teachers regarding the content they should deliver. This gap can hinder some pupils' learning and achievement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that these curriculum changes are fully integrated so that all pupils can build on their prior knowledge effectively.
The school has a strong phonics program, with leaders and teachers consistently checking pupils' understanding and providing additional support when necessary. This approach helps pupils catch up with their peers and fosters a love of reading from an early age. Staff read high-quality books to children regularly, enhancing their language development and ensuring that reading materials are closely matched to the sounds being learned.
Pupils in key stage two have access to a variety of high-quality texts, promoting a culture of reading throughout the school. Older pupils participate in the reading council, assisting younger students in their reading journey. The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, working with external organizations to provide timely support. Staff adapt their teaching to meet the diverse needs of these pupils, ensuring that many follow the same curriculum as their peers.
Overall, pupils display positive attitudes toward learning and respect for one another and staff. They engage well in their education and participate in various activities that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. The school promotes staff well-being and workload management, resulting in a positive working environment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated on online safety and healthy relationships, contributing to a safe and supportive school culture. The school continues to strive for improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
