Fulwood and Cadley Primary School, located in Preston, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 19 and 20, 2022. The school is praised for its strong relationships between pupils and staff, fostering a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable addressing their concerns. The adults at the school maintain high standards for behavior, resulting in exceptional conduct among pupils. The playground is described as a joyful space, with older pupils taking pride in mentoring younger students, demonstrating a sense of community and responsibility.
In the classroom, pupils are attentive and engaged, responding positively to the high expectations set by their teachers. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to make significant progress and preparing them effectively for future educational stages. The school places a strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of its students, with leaders actively supporting this aspect of their development. Pupils appreciate the various clubs available, which include mindfulness, dance fitness, and cookery, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
The school has made commendable strides in ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious and broad, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully considered how subjects interlink, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections in their learning. This thoughtful approach has resulted in pupils achieving well, particularly by the time they reach key stage two, where they possess a rich body of knowledge across various subjects.
The early years curriculum is equally well-organized, with teachers demonstrating a clear understanding of the developmental needs of Reception Year children. This careful planning ensures that children are well-prepared for the key stage one curriculum. Across the school, teachers effectively deliver the curriculum, with a focus on developing pupils' speech and vocabulary. In key stage two, pupils articulate their learning confidently, using appropriate subject-specific language.
Assessment strategies are utilized effectively by many teachers to ensure that pupils have a solid grasp of the material before progressing. However, there is a need for consistency in these approaches across all teachers to ensure that every pupil achieves their full potential. Leaders have fostered a love of reading, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the diverse range of books available to them. The phonics program is generally well-implemented, allowing pupils to develop their reading skills effectively.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve well through timely identification and appropriate support. The learning environment is harmonious, with pupils valuing their teachers' expertise and learning without disruption. Outdoor spaces provide opportunities for physical and mental health activities, and the personal development curriculum prepares pupils to be responsible citizens.
The safeguarding arrangements at Fulwood and Cadley Primary School are effective, with leaders demonstrating a strong commitment to keeping pupils safe. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of potential harm and act swiftly to address any concerns. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to provide additional support when needed.
While the school has many strengths, there is room for improvement in ensuring that all teachers are confident in using assessment strategies consistently. This will help to maximize pupil achievement and ensure that all students progress through the curriculum effectively. Overall, Fulwood and Cadley Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
