Bacup St Saviour's Community Primary School, located in Bacup, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 17, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere where pupils take pride in their learning environment. They demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the high expectations set by the school, resulting in commendable academic achievements for most students. The relationships between pupils and staff are notably strong, with older students often mentoring younger peers, fostering a sense of community and support.
The school promotes positive behavior among its pupils, although there are instances where a minority of students struggle to regulate their behavior. While most pupils behave well, those who face challenges in this area do not always receive consistent support to help them meet the school's behavioral expectations. The school actively encourages physical fitness and sports, offering a variety of clubs and teams, including table tennis, basketball, and yoga, which cater to students of all abilities and promote competitive sports participation.
Educational trips play a significant role in enhancing the learning experience at Bacup St Saviour's. Pupils have the opportunity to visit places such as a Roman museum, which enriches their understanding of history. Older students have shared positive experiences from residential trips that included adventurous activities, contributing to their personal development and teamwork skills.
The school has a clear and inspiring vision for education, shared by both the leadership and the governing body. An ambitious and broad curriculum has been designed, rooted in the local community, which helps pupils develop a sense of belonging. The curriculum is well-structured, outlining how knowledge is built from the early years through to Year 6. The organization of learning in mixed-age classes is carefully considered, allowing older pupils to continue their development alongside younger peers.
Staff at Bacup St Saviour's enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment, benefiting from a robust training and development program. This enables them to design effective learning experiences that enhance pupils' knowledge. However, there are occasions when staff do not adequately check pupils' understanding before progressing to new topics, leading to gaps in knowledge that may hinder future learning.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to the school environment, displaying determination and persistence in their tasks. Engaging activities are designed to promote learning, such as writing menus in a café setup, which reinforces phonics and letter formation skills. The school prioritizes early reading, with staff trained in a specific reading program that is generally well-implemented. Pupils read books that align with their knowledge of sounds and words, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. The school library, curated with input from pupil leaders, offers a diverse selection of books that encourages a love for reading.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with the school promptly identifying their needs and collaborating with external agencies to ensure effective learning strategies are in place. This approach allows these pupils to progress well through the curriculum.
While the school sets high expectations for behavior, there are inconsistencies in how these standards are upheld by staff. Some pupils do not receive sufficient support to develop positive behavior conducive to learning, which can affect their academic performance. The school recognizes the importance of promoting good behavior and is working towards ensuring that all staff consistently apply the behavior policy.
The school's commitment to the wider development of pupils is evident in its curriculum, which includes teaching about fundamental British values and the importance of mental health. Governors are actively involved in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that attendance issues are addressed promptly, contributing to high attendance rates.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bacup St Saviour's are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is aware of areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding and provide adequate support for behavior management. Overall, Bacup St Saviour's Community Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
