Frodsham CofE Primary School, located in Overton, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on February 25 and 26, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and leadership and management were also rated as good, while early years provision was similarly assessed as good. The school had previously been rated outstanding in July 2007, and the change in rating reflects the current inspection framework and developments within the school over the intervening years.
The school had not been inspected for twelve years, exceeding the five-year maximum interval due to legislative changes in 2011 that exempted outstanding schools from routine inspections. This long gap may have allowed for changes in school effectiveness during that time. The inspection highlighted that leaders and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, fostering strong relationships between the school and home, which positively impacts student learning. Pupils expressed enjoyment in attending the school, with high attendance rates and a strong sense of safety. They reported that bullying is rare and that conflicts are resolved quickly, contributing to a nurturing environment.
Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as serving on the school council and participating in the ethos club, which positively influences school life. Parents and carers also noted the supportive nature of older pupils towards younger ones. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, promoting pupils' talents and interests beyond the standard curriculum, with strong participation in clubs like newspaper and Spanish clubs, as well as various sports.
The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils effectively for their next educational stages, with Year 6 pupils achieving better than the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs receive high-quality support tailored to their needs. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to become fluent readers, with nearly all meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check. Writing skills are also developed effectively, with pupils demonstrating good spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
In the early years, staff create engaging learning opportunities that build on children's existing skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for Year 1. Curriculum plans are clear across subjects, with teachers aware of what should be taught and when. However, some subjects still require development in subject knowledge among leaders and teachers, which affects the depth of understanding for pupils in those areas.
The school emphasizes preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, instilling respect for others and providing excellent opportunities for personal development. Pupils engage in various projects, supporting charities and raising awareness of important issues. Behaviour management is effective, with pupils concentrating well and exhibiting exemplary behaviour.
Governors are knowledgeable about their responsibilities and receive detailed information from school leaders. They take pride in the school's community involvement, and staff feel supported regarding their workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address potential concerns, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there is a need for continued development in certain subjects to enhance the educational experience further.
