Locking Stumps Community Primary School in Birchwood, Warrington, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 15 and 16, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and friendly atmosphere where students build strong relationships with staff and enjoy learning alongside their peers. Pupils are educated about various forms of discrimination, which enhances their understanding of the negative effects of behaviors such as racism and homophobic bullying. The staff actively discourage bullying and unkind behavior, ensuring that students feel safe and supported. Pupils reported feeling secure at school, with staff providing opportunities for them to discuss any concerns they may have.
The school has high expectations for student behavior and learning, which most pupils meet successfully. They are polite, articulate, and contribute to a harmonious school environment. Parents and caregivers express high levels of satisfaction with the school and the progress their children make. Students are encouraged to become responsible citizens through roles such as librarians and digital leaders, and they engage in various extracurricular activities, including fundraising for charities and educational trips to local attractions.
The curriculum at Locking Stumps is broad, interesting, and well-structured, designed to be ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire throughout their education. Most teachers understand the curriculum expectations, which aids in building on prior learning as students progress through different stages. Subject leaders effectively support teachers in assessing pupils' understanding of the curriculum.
While teachers utilize assessment information to inform their lesson planning and address misconceptions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected some pupils' retention of prior knowledge, particularly in subjects like history. Consequently, strategies to address learning gaps in certain subjects need improvement to enhance pupils' understanding further.
The school has fostered a strong reading culture, with a well-organized phonics and reading curriculum that supports pupils' development of reading skills. Older students demonstrate confidence and fluency in reading a variety of texts. Leaders have established effective systems for monitoring pupils' progress in reading, ensuring that staff can identify those who may need additional support.
Staff are attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language, making necessary adaptations to resources and support levels. This ensures that all pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers. The school community is proud of its achievements, with minimal disruption in classes, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment.
Locking Stumps offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for board games, science, and sports. Pupils actively participate in charitable initiatives and have a voice in school decisions, such as contributing to the design of the new library. Staff express positive sentiments regarding the support they receive from senior leaders, particularly concerning their well-being and workload.
Governors are well-informed about the school and hold leaders accountable for their performance, demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential concerns regarding pupil safety. Overall, Locking Stumps Community Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
