Aston Primary School, located in Runcorn, Cheshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on February 13 and 14, 2024. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This reflects the school’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
Pupils at Aston Primary School express pride in being part of a small, friendly community where they feel valued and respected. The school fosters a culture of kindness and care among both staff and students, which contributes to a positive atmosphere. The core values of respect, inspire, and achieve are evident in the daily interactions and activities within the school. New students are welcomed warmly, and there is a strong emphasis on celebrating diversity and differences among individuals.
The school sets high expectations for behaviour, and pupils respond positively to these standards. Instances of sanctions are rare, indicating a well-managed environment where students develop a strong moral compass and support one another. The sense of safety and happiness among pupils is palpable, contributing to their overall well-being.
Aston Primary School is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils reach their potential across various subjects. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing students to take pride in their work and achieve commendable results. Teachers play a crucial role in motivating students, creating engaging learning experiences that spark interest and curiosity.
The school offers a diverse range of opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and build confidence. For instance, all students in Years 2 to 6 participate in a residential visit, which promotes resilience and independence. Additionally, a variety of extracurricular clubs, such as archery and choir, are available, and pupils actively engage in fundraising events within the school and the local community.
Following the previous inspection, the school has made significant strides in addressing identified issues. The curriculum has been enhanced, particularly in the early years and up to Year 6, with clear expectations regarding what pupils should learn and when. However, there are a few subjects where the curriculum design could be improved to ensure that pupils build on their prior knowledge more effectively. Leaders are currently working to address these areas.
Teachers generally deliver the curriculum effectively, employing creative methods to engage pupils. For example, early years students learn about hygiene through hands-on experiments that illustrate the importance of brushing teeth. Teachers regularly assess pupil understanding and use this information to adapt their teaching strategies, ensuring that students grasp the intended curriculum.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff receive appropriate training to adapt the curriculum delivery, ensuring that all pupils can access the same ambitious learning opportunities.
Reading is a key focus at Aston Primary School, with a consistent approach to teaching phonics from the Reception class. Most pupils demonstrate confidence in their phonics knowledge by the end of Year 1, and additional support is provided for those who struggle. The school promotes reading as an enjoyable activity, with a well-stocked library that caters to various interests.
Behaviour management is a priority, with clear rules and values that pupils respect. Disruptions to learning are minimal, and younger children learn to manage their emotions and cooperate with peers effectively. The school also emphasizes attendance, providing strong support to families of pupils who are frequently absent, resulting in high attendance rates across the school.
The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to lead safe, happy, and healthy lives. Pupils are well-informed about online safety, and various leadership opportunities are available as they progress through the school. The buddy programme, where older pupils support younger ones, fosters responsibility and empathy.
Governance has improved since the last inspection, with governors actively engaging with the school community and supporting staff well-being. Staff appreciate the positive culture established by school leaders, which has contributed to a collaborative working environment.
Overall, Aston Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils, with effective leadership and a focus on continuous improvement.