Penwortham Primary School, located in Preston, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8 and 9, 2022. The school embodies its motto of happy children who achieve, with pupils demonstrating pride in their school and a strong eagerness to learn. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, fostering an environment where pupils behave well in lessons and throughout the school. Respect and politeness are evident among students, who respond positively to staff instructions, reflecting the supportive atmosphere cultivated by the school community.
Pupils express a sense of safety within the school, with effective management of bullying incidents by the leadership team. They are aware of whom to approach with concerns, contributing to a secure learning environment. Beyond academics, students engage in various extracurricular activities, such as the wheels club for younger pupils, where they learn to ride scooters and bicycles, and opportunities to learn musical instruments and personal finance. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, including organizing fundraising initiatives inspired by current events, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are actively involved in school life.
The leadership team is well-acquainted with the school and its community, demonstrating a commitment to providing the best educational start for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the curriculum development of a few subjects, which are not as robust as in others. This occasionally affects the logical delivery of the curriculum, especially in key stage one, where some learning does not build effectively on prior knowledge from early years education.
Leaders have established clear curriculum aims aligned with the school’s values, ensuring that the full breadth of the national curriculum is taught. They have also focused on helping pupils recover from learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the curriculum generally deepens pupils' understanding of key concepts, there are instances where it does not sufficiently enhance knowledge in certain units of work, particularly in key stage one.
Reading is prioritized, with leaders providing appropriate training for staff to support effective phonics teaching. This approach has led to strong reading outcomes, with additional support available for pupils who fall behind. As students progress, they become more confident and fluent readers, developing a love for reading through access to high-quality texts.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive strong support and care. Teachers are attentive to pupil behavior, maintaining focus during lessons and fostering positive interactions among students of different ages. The school promotes inclusivity in extracurricular activities, enhancing learning experiences and broadening pupils' understanding of the world.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school’s operations and ensure that the curriculum supports pupil achievement. Staff report feeling valued and supported by the leadership team, contributing to a positive work environment. Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff taking responsibility for pupil safety and being trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect.
Overall, Penwortham Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and achievement. The leadership team is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum to ensure all subjects are well-developed and logically sequenced.
