Forton Primary School, located in Preston, Lancashire, underwent an inspection on October 11 and 12, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school fosters a positive environment where both staff and pupils embrace the motto of aspiring to shine. Pupils take pride in their school community and appreciate being recognized for their kindness and care towards one another. Strong relationships have been established between school leaders and families, with parents expressing high levels of satisfaction regarding communication with staff.
Leaders at Forton Primary School maintain high expectations for all pupils and have developed an ambitious curriculum that engages and interests students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers employ various strategies to ensure that all pupils, including those in early years, can access the curriculum effectively. Consequently, pupils achieve well academically.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils displaying good conduct during lessons and enjoying a calm atmosphere throughout the school. The sense of community is enhanced by the interaction among pupils across different year groups. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues that arise. The supportive environment contributes to pupils feeling safe and secure, as they easily make friends and receive assistance from staff.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with teachers clear about the knowledge pupils should acquire by the end of each year. Pupils, including those with special educational needs, follow the same curriculum, and leaders effectively utilize external experts to identify pupils' needs accurately. This approach allows teachers to provide appropriate support, ensuring that all pupils enjoy their learning experiences.
Teachers are well-prepared to design lessons that facilitate learning, regularly checking pupils' understanding of key concepts. In most subjects, teachers understand how learning builds over time, which helps them emphasize and revisit important aspects of the curriculum. However, in a few subjects, there is a need for clearer guidance on the most critical knowledge that pupils should retain.
The early reading curriculum has been prioritized, with children starting to learn rhymes and songs from their first days in early years. As they progress to Reception, they quickly develop phonics skills, supported by well-trained staff who deliver the phonics program effectively. By the end of key stage one, nearly all pupils are confident and fluent readers.
While many older pupils are enthusiastic about reading, there is an ongoing effort to ensure that they are exposed to a diverse range of high-quality texts. Some older pupils may not have access to a wide enough variety of genres and authors, which is an area for improvement.
Pupils follow instructions carefully, and a new behavior policy has been implemented effectively, contributing to a positive learning environment. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs in sports, music, computing, and drama, allowing pupils to develop their skills and interests. Opportunities for leadership, such as acting as school councillors, further enhance their school experience.
The governing body has established systems to understand the priorities of school leaders, and both leaders and governors have an accurate view of the school. They are mindful of staff well-being and workload, ensuring a supportive environment for teachers.
The safeguarding arrangements at Forton Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of potential harm and know how to report concerns. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, both online and in terms of their health and well-being. Overall, Forton Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in educational quality.
