Accrington Peel Park Primary School, located in Lancashire, is a larger than average primary school with a diverse student body. The school serves pupils aged 4 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 583 students. The governing body oversees the school, with Lisa Hartley as the chair and Judith Williams as the headteacher. The school has received positive feedback from parents and the community, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education.
The recent inspection, conducted on June 19-20, 2012, evaluated the school under the Education Act 2005. The lead inspector, Christine Birchall, along with additional inspectors, observed 27 lessons and engaged with pupils, staff, and governors to assess the school's performance. The findings revealed that the school is outstanding in several key areas, including overall effectiveness, pupil achievement, quality of teaching, behavior and safety, and leadership and management.
Pupil achievement at Peel Park is exceptional. Many children enter the school with skills and knowledge below the expected levels for their age. However, through effective teaching and support, all pupils, including those with special educational needs, make outstanding progress across all key stages. By the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment is above average, demonstrating the school's success in fostering academic growth.
The quality of teaching is another significant strength of the school. Teachers and teaching assistants work diligently to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. The marking of pupils' work is consistently high, providing clear feedback that helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement. While the majority of lessons are highly effective, there are occasional instances where activities are structured too tightly, limiting opportunities for pupils to explore their own questions and ideas.
Behavior and safety at Peel Park are exemplary. Pupils express that the school is a fun and caring environment, contributing to their positive experiences and high attendance rates. The staff maintain high expectations for behavior, fostering a culture of respect and support among students. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of safety and risk, which is evident in their conduct and interactions with one another.
Leadership and management at the school are outstanding. The headteacher and senior leaders have established a clear vision that permeates the school culture, emphasizing high expectations for all pupils. Their systematic approach to improvement has led to significant advancements in the school's performance. The governing body is knowledgeable and actively holds leaders accountable, ensuring that the school meets its statutory responsibilities and maintains effective safeguarding processes.
The school has also gained recognition through various awards, including National School of Creativity status and Eco-school status, reflecting its commitment to providing a well-rounded education. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, promoting their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development alongside academic achievement.
In conclusion, Accrington Peel Park Primary School is an outstanding institution that excels in providing a nurturing and effective learning environment. The dedication of the staff, the strong leadership, and the supportive community contribute to the school's success in helping pupils achieve their full potential. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and maintain its high standards in education.
