St Philip’s CofE Primary School in Atherton, Manchester, was inspected on November 8 and 9, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has maintained a good standard of education, with particular strengths in personal development, which was rated as outstanding. The school has high expectations for its pupils, ensuring that they succeed, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are attentive and engaged in lessons, contributing to their overall achievement across various subjects.
The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils feel safe and happy. They report that teachers are responsive to their concerns, and there is a strong culture of respect among students. The personal development program is robust, allowing pupils to explore their individual talents through a wide range of enrichment activities, such as gardening, dance, and cultural clubs. The school also organizes trips and outdoor learning experiences that enhance the curriculum, benefiting all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEND.
The curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, designed to build knowledge incrementally from the Reception Year to Year 6. Recent changes have strengthened the curriculum, making lessons more engaging and relevant. Teachers are well-trained and possess secure subject knowledge, generally designing effective learning activities. However, there are instances where some teachers do not create the most suitable activities for pupils, which can hinder a few students from developing a solid foundation for future learning.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with a culture that promotes a love of reading. Teachers read to pupils daily, and older students express enthusiasm for the books they have read. The phonics program is delivered consistently, helping most pupils become confident readers by the end of Year 2. The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with SEND and adapts the curriculum accordingly, although there are occasions when not all information is utilized to design appropriate learning activities for these pupils.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and manners, with high attendance rates. The school takes proactive measures to address any attendance issues. The personal development opportunities provided are exceptional, allowing pupils to learn about different cultures and faiths while developing skills to manage their emotions and conflicts. Positions of responsibility, such as house captains and librarians, contribute to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
Governors are actively involved in the school community, fulfilling their duties and challenging leaders to enhance the curriculum. They support and hold leaders accountable for the quality of education. Teachers express satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders, particularly regarding workload management and well-being.
The school encourages parental involvement through various initiatives, such as gardening workshops for families. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school should ensure that all teachers are adequately trained to design learning activities that enable all pupils, including those with SEND, to develop a deep and rich understanding of the subject matter. Overall, St Philip’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering the personal development of its pupils.
