Goostrey Community Primary School, located in Cheshire, was inspected on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last assessed fourteen years ago, when it received an outstanding rating. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine evaluations until November 2020.
Pupils at Goostrey Community Primary School express happiness in being part of the school community, highlighting positive relationships with peers and staff. They feel safe and supported, which contributes to their enthusiasm for learning. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, motivating students to strive for their best. Behaviour is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness, confidence, and consideration for others. They understand the importance of respect and are proactive in addressing any unfair treatment they witness.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to engage all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully identified and sequenced the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn, ensuring that they progress effectively through the curriculum. Most subject leaders possess strong expertise and provide clear guidance to teachers, enabling pupils to reinforce their learning regularly. This approach has resulted in good achievement across various subjects.
However, some subject leaders do not provide adequate support for teachers, which can lead to inconsistencies in curriculum delivery. Occasionally, teachers may not effectively use assessment strategies to ensure that pupils have a solid understanding before introducing new concepts. This can result in gaps in knowledge that are not addressed promptly. In the early years, staff create a welcoming environment where children feel secure and eager to share their ideas. Children in the Reception class quickly adapt and take pride in their work.
Reading is a priority at the school, with older pupils enjoying independent reading and engaging with a variety of authors. Early years pupils begin learning phonics as soon as they start school, and teachers regularly assess their progress. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 2. However, there are instances where some pupils are given books that are too challenging, hindering their confidence and fluency.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and receive appropriate support. Creative initiatives, such as partnerships with a school in South Africa, broaden pupils' understanding of global diversity. The governing body is dedicated but lacks sufficient information about certain aspects of the curriculum, limiting their ability to effectively challenge school leaders.
Staff express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders prioritize their well-being and workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular training ensuring staff are vigilant about potential risks to pupils. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, including online safety and healthy relationships. Overall, Goostrey Community Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience, with areas identified for improvement to enhance the quality of education further.
