Christ Church C of E Primary School in Pennington, Leigh, Lancashire, was inspected on February 11 and 12, 2020, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school provides a safe and happy environment where pupils enjoy attending and demonstrate regular attendance. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction, with many recommending the school to others. The staff's commitment to going the extra mile for students is evident, fostering a positive atmosphere where high expectations are set for all pupils.
Pupils engage well in their learning, listening attentively and building respectful relationships with their teachers. They understand and adhere to school rules, enjoying the competitive aspect of behavior rewards among classes. The school has a low incidence of bullying, with pupils feeling confident that staff would address any issues promptly.
The curriculum has seen significant improvements since the last inspection, with a well-planned approach across a broad range of subjects. Pupils build their knowledge logically as they progress through the school, achieving well in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as in other subjects. Reading has been prioritized, with a new library and a diverse selection of books that pupils enjoy discussing. The emphasis on vocabulary development and comprehension skills is evident in the teaching practices.
In the early years, children begin phonics instruction immediately, with daily practice ensuring that all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed in reading. Writing is also a focus, with pupils learning to use punctuation correctly and improving their spelling and grammar skills across subjects.
Pupils express enjoyment in subjects like geography, where they effectively apply map skills and recall previous lessons. The art curriculum is well-structured, allowing older pupils to explore historical techniques and develop their skills. The early years curriculum prepares children well for future learning, promoting collaboration and resource sharing through engaging activities.
While the school excels in many areas, there are still opportunities for improvement. Some staff occasionally struggle to manage low-level disruptions in lessons, which can affect the learning environment. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that all staff consistently address such issues. Additionally, while adaptations for pupils with special educational needs are effective in reading, writing, and mathematics, there is a need for further tailoring of the curriculum in other subjects to enhance their learning outcomes.
The school promotes personal development through various activities, including trips to local museums and participation in community service. Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, demonstrating good behavior and politeness throughout the school. Staff express positive sentiments about the leadership changes and feel their opinions are valued. Governors are actively involved, providing support and challenge to the leadership team.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong commitment to pupil safety. Staff receive appropriate training to recognize and respond to potential risks, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety. Overall, Christ Church C of E Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils while continuously striving for improvement in all areas.
