Aspull Church Primary School, located in Wigan, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 9 and 10, 2022. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and supported. Leaders and staff have established a culture of care, ensuring that students know whom to approach with any concerns. Feedback from parents and carers reflects a strong sense of community, with many expressing satisfaction with the school's caring ethos.
Pupils at Aspull Church Primary School demonstrate a positive attitude towards their education. They respond well to the high expectations set by school leaders regarding their work and behavior. Students are attentive, hardworking, and supportive of one another. The school effectively caters to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students, who achieve commendable results across various subjects.
The leadership team, including governors, is committed to providing numerous opportunities for pupils to thrive. The school's courageous advocacy program encourages students to understand their potential to impact the lives of others positively. This initiative fosters a caring attitude among pupils, who learn to respect diverse cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles.
The curriculum at Aspull Church Primary School is well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge in a logical progression. Teachers facilitate connections between subjects, enhancing the learning experience. For instance, novels read in class often complement lessons in geography or history. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in revisiting previous learning in some subjects. This lack of reinforcement can hinder pupils' ability to connect new knowledge with what they have learned before, occasionally leading to challenges in retention.
Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects, and the support provided by school leaders enhances their confidence in delivering the curriculum effectively. All pupils, including those with special educational needs, follow the same curriculum, with teachers and teaching assistants identifying and addressing individual needs promptly. This approach ensures that all students can keep pace with their peers.
Reading is a priority at Aspull Church Primary School, with pupils encouraged to read widely and frequently. The school boasts a variety of age-appropriate libraries, and teachers regularly read to students, fostering a love for reading. The phonics curriculum is delivered effectively, enabling most pupils to become confident and fluent readers. For those who struggle, targeted one-on-one support is provided to help them catch up.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and experiences that contribute to pupils' social and cultural development. Students engage in various responsibilities, such as serving as mental health warriors, eco-warriors, and members of the pupil parliament, fulfilling these roles with pride. The behavior of pupils, including those in the early years, is commendable, with leaders effectively managing any rare instances of misconduct.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders considering their workload and mental health. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with all members of the school community understanding their role in ensuring safety. Staff receive regular training to identify and respond to potential risks, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to support families when necessary.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that the curriculum allows for the revisiting of prior learning across all subjects. This enhancement would enable pupils to build on their existing knowledge more effectively, leading to deeper understanding and retention of the curriculum. Overall, Aspull Church Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils, with a strong commitment to their academic and personal development.
