Ashleigh Primary School, located in Darwen, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 1 and 2, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils arrive each day greeted by friendly staff. Students express enjoyment in their lessons, which are described as fun and engaging. The school offers a variety of trips, including visits to Paris and London, enhancing the educational experience for its pupils.
The leadership at Ashleigh Primary School sets high expectations for both behavior and academic performance. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are encouraged to meet these standards and generally achieve well. In the classroom, students work collaboratively, listen attentively to their teachers, and engage in play during break times, benefiting from a range of activities provided by the staff.
Safety is a priority at Ashleigh Primary School, with pupils feeling secure and comfortable sharing any concerns with their teachers. The school has effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all students. Pupils are actively involved in school life, with older students taking on leadership roles, such as organizing assemblies and playtime activities. They also contribute to the school community by helping in the office and participating in gardening projects.
The curriculum at Ashleigh Primary School is broad and balanced, designed to be enjoyable for pupils. Leaders have carefully considered the essential knowledge that students should acquire, organizing it logically from the Reception Year onward. For instance, in mathematics, pupils develop their understanding of numbers and place value in a structured manner. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding through questions and mini-quizzes, providing timely support to address any gaps in learning.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In a few subjects, teachers do not provide enough chances for pupils to revisit and reinforce their previous learning, which can lead to some forgetting important concepts. Additionally, some pupils at the early stages of reading do not receive sufficient practice reading with an adult, which can hinder their fluency development. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that struggling readers have regular opportunities to practice their phonics skills.
Reading is a central focus of the school's curriculum, with phonics instruction beginning in the Reception Year. Staff provide targeted support for pupils who struggle with early reading, ensuring that reading materials are well-matched to their abilities. The school promotes a love of reading, with pupils enjoying visits to the library and engaging with a variety of books and stories across different genres.
The school community, including staff, pupils, and parents, holds a positive view of Ashleigh Primary School. Parents appreciate the support their children receive, and staff express satisfaction in their work environment, describing it as a family-like atmosphere. Governors are actively involved in the school, providing a balance of challenge and support to the leadership team while monitoring pupil achievement.
Safeguarding measures at Ashleigh Primary School are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and address any risks to pupils. Leaders maintain detailed records of concerns and collaborate with external agencies when necessary to support vulnerable students and their families. Pupils are educated on safety topics, including fire safety and online safety, ensuring they are well-informed about how to protect themselves.
In summary, Ashleigh Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in reading fluency and revisiting prior learning, the school demonstrates a commitment to the academic and personal development of its students. The positive relationships among staff, pupils, and parents contribute to a thriving school community that prepares pupils for their future educational journeys.
