Turton Belmont Community Primary School, located in Bolton, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 15, 2024. The school community, including pupils, staff, and families, expresses pride in being part of this vibrant and welcoming environment. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, and the school has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of education provided.
Pupils at Turton Belmont take on leadership roles, serving as positive role models for younger children. They actively participate in the school council and other initiatives aimed at improving the school for everyone. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for cookery, choir, quiz, art, and athletics, which pupils enthusiastically attend. Additionally, the school organizes trips and visits that enrich the learning experience.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, characterized by kindness, consideration, and respect for one another and the adults in the school. The atmosphere is calm, allowing for focused learning without distractions. Playtimes are active and sociable, contributing to a positive school culture.
The school has a clear vision for preparing pupils for their future educational journeys, maintaining high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils take pride in their learning and generally achieve well. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a carefully curated list of essential reads for each year group and classroom libraries to foster a love for reading. Early phonics instruction is effective, with targeted support for those who need it, ensuring that most pupils develop fluency and accuracy in reading.
The school is attentive to the additional needs of all pupils, ensuring that staff are well-trained and equipped to support students with special educational needs. Collaboration with external agencies further enhances the support available to these pupils, allowing them to access the full curriculum and achieve their potential.
In the early years, staff establish nurturing relationships with children, setting clear expectations for behavior that continue throughout the school. The curriculum is being developed thoughtfully, with subject leaders drawing on educational research and professional development to enhance their areas of responsibility. While most subjects have a well-defined curriculum, a few areas still require finalization of essential knowledge to ensure that all pupils build a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.
Staff receive high-quality professional development and work collaboratively with other schools, which contributes to effective curriculum delivery. The school regularly checks pupils' understanding and addresses misconceptions, ensuring that learning is on track.
The emphasis on personal development is strong, with numerous enrichment activities available. Pupils engage in various aspects of school life, including sports and community events, such as the school choir performing at local churches during Christmas. Attendance is prioritized, with support provided to families to improve attendance rates.
Governors maintain a clear vision for the school and are well-informed about the quality of education provided. They hold the school accountable while considering staff workload in policy changes. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Turton Belmont Community Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on reading, personal development, and support for all pupils. While there are areas for improvement in finalizing the curriculum in certain subjects, the overall environment fosters learning and growth for every student.
