St Michael’s CofE Primary School in Atherton, Manchester, was inspected on 31 October and 1 November 2023. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school was last rated outstanding 14 years ago. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at St Michael’s are reported to be happy and supportive of one another, fostering a welcoming environment. They feel safe and are confident that staff will assist them if they are upset or require additional support, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has high expectations for all pupils and provides a well-structured curriculum that enables them to achieve their potential. Reading is emphasized as a key component of the curriculum, with pupils becoming proficient readers who understand its importance in enhancing their learning across subjects.
In the early years, children settle well and develop independence and confidence. Older pupils contribute positively to the school community, helping younger students during break times. The behaviour of pupils is commendable; they are respectful, polite, and well-behaved both in class and around the school. They work collaboratively during lessons, which contributes to a positive learning atmosphere.
The curriculum is carefully designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge as pupils progress through the school. Teachers are knowledgeable and deliver lessons effectively, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge. They address misconceptions and provide targeted support, particularly in reading, which has led to good achievement among pupils. The school offers a diverse range of high-quality texts that engage pupils and promote a love of reading.
However, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils in key stage one struggle with applying their phonics knowledge to writing due to difficulties in letter formation learned in the early years. The school needs to ensure that younger pupils receive adequate support to apply their phonics knowledge effectively. Additionally, while the school teaches about diversity, it lacks clarity in guiding teachers on how to build pupils' understanding of various cultures over time. This has resulted in limited knowledge of cultures beyond their own, which may hinder their preparation for living in a diverse society.
Governors and school leaders work collaboratively with staff to implement changes without adding to their workload. They actively seek feedback from staff, parents, and pupils to inform their decisions. The school maintains strong communication with parents, who feel well-informed about how to support their children's learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Michael’s are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The inspection team conducted a thorough evaluation, including discussions with leaders, staff, and pupils, as well as observations of lessons and behaviour. Overall, St Michael’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with clear areas identified for further development to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
