Sutton Green Primary School, located in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, has recently undergone an inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school provides a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel proud to be part of the school community. Relationships between staff and students are characterized by respect and care, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils feel happy and safe. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that they have access to an ambitious curriculum. As a result, pupils typically achieve well and express enthusiasm for their learning experiences.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior, showing courtesy and consideration towards one another and staff. They have access to a variety of opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom, including trips, clubs, and extracurricular activities that enhance their educational experience. The school offers a rich array of activities, such as food science, gardening, and sports, which add significant value to their time at school.
The school has made notable improvements in the quality of education, positively impacting pupils' enjoyment and academic achievement. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, with careful consideration given to the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils should acquire. Staff generally implement the curriculum effectively, presenting information clearly and asking questions that deepen understanding. However, in some subjects where the curriculum is relatively new, assessment strategies are still being developed, which can hinder teachers' ability to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading through various initiatives, including visits from authors and a carefully curated selection of books that staff want pupils to engage with. The phonics program is well-structured and consistently delivered, helping most pupils become fluent readers by the time they reach key stage two. However, the proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check was below the national average, partly due to staffing issues and attendance challenges.
In the early years, children are happy and confident, benefiting from an ambitious curriculum. However, some activities lack purpose, which can hinder their learning and readiness for Year 1. The school identifies pupils with special educational needs early and provides appropriate support to ensure they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils' positive behavior is celebrated, and most attend school regularly. The school has strengthened its attendance processes, leading to improvements for those who have been frequently absent. Personal development is also a focus, with pupils learning about diversity and respect, and having opportunities to take on responsibilities such as mental health leaders and school councillors.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction with their work environment, appreciating the school's consideration of their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should enhance assessment strategies in certain subjects and ensure that early years activities reinforce learning effectively, providing children with more opportunities to consolidate their knowledge and skills. Overall, Sutton Green Primary School is a good school that is committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
