Moorside Primary School, located in Lancaster, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and exhibit kindness and politeness towards one another. The school's values play a significant role in promoting a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every student feels included. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and students generally strive to achieve their best. Year 6 pupils are particularly well-prepared for their transition to secondary education.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to school rules and demonstrating good conduct during lessons and playtimes. The positive reinforcement system in place encourages students to make appropriate choices, contributing to a harmonious school environment. Beyond academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and clubs that enrich the pupils' experiences. Activities such as mountain climbing, sailing, and caving, along with residential trips and theatre visits, help students discover new interests and talents.
Pupils also take on various roles and responsibilities, such as school councillors and eco-warriors, and actively participate in community projects like litter picking and gardening. These initiatives enhance their understanding of citizenship and the importance of contributing positively to society. The school promotes a love of reading, with staff effectively delivering the early reading curriculum. Most children in the early years and key stage 1 develop a solid foundation in phonics. However, there is a need for improved support for a small number of pupils who struggle with reading, as this affects their fluency.
The curriculum at Moorside Primary School is ambitious and well-structured across most subjects, ensuring that pupils progress effectively. In the early years, the curriculum is also well-designed and delivered. However, in a few subjects, the school is still refining its approach to clarify what pupils need to learn and when. This occasionally leads to challenges for teachers in designing lessons that build on prior knowledge, resulting in gaps in learning.
Teachers generally explain new concepts clearly and utilize assessment strategies effectively to gauge pupil understanding. The school has robust systems in place to identify and support pupils with additional needs, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Most pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and low-level disruption is rare.
The school offers a range of high-quality enrichment activities, and pupils are eager to participate in clubs that cater to various interests. They are also educated on how to maintain their physical and mental health and stay safe online. The governing body provides effective support and challenge, demonstrating a commitment to the success of every pupil. Staff appreciate the measures taken to support their well-being and workload, fostering a collaborative environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Moorside Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school should focus on finalizing its curriculum planning in a few subjects to enhance clarity for teachers and ensure that all pupils receive the necessary support to improve their reading skills. Overall, Moorside Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and community involvement.
