Garstang Community Primary School, located in Lancashire, was inspected on March 1 and 2, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has a history of high performance, having been rated Outstanding in its last inspection 14 years ago. The current inspection reflects the school's commitment to providing a quality education, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils at Garstang Community Primary School arrive eager to learn, greeted warmly by staff. The school fosters a safe and welcoming environment, promoting a sense of community among students. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to engage students and support their academic achievement across various subjects.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards one another and adults. Disruptions during lessons are minimal, allowing for effective learning. The school encourages positive behaviour through a reward system, and pupils enjoy their time together during play, forming friendships across different year groups. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that pupils feel confident that any incidents will be dealt with promptly.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, although there are a few subjects where leaders are still finalizing the essential knowledge that pupils are expected to learn. This has led to some teachers lacking clarity on the key content that should be retained by students. Nevertheless, most teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to create effective learning experiences, providing clear explanations and checking for understanding.
Reading is a priority at Garstang Community Primary School, with children exposed to a diverse range of books from an early age. Pupils are encouraged to read widely and regularly, fostering a love for literature and an understanding of its importance in their lives. The school has implemented a new phonics program, and while most staff are trained to deliver it effectively, there are instances where some staff do not follow the intended delivery as closely as required.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with teachers identifying needs early and providing appropriate assistance. The curriculum is adapted thoughtfully to ensure these pupils can learn alongside their peers. In the early years, children quickly adapt to routines and demonstrate the ability to concentrate on their learning.
Pupils are taught the significance of British values, such as tolerance and respect, and they engage in activities that promote understanding of different cultures and faiths. The school offers meaningful extracurricular experiences, enhancing pupils' personal development. Staff feel supported by leadership, and changes to policies have effectively reduced teacher workload.
The safeguarding arrangements at Garstang Community Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and regular training for staff. Leaders have established strong connections with external safeguarding partners, ensuring timely support for vulnerable pupils and their families.
To improve, the school needs to finalize the essential knowledge in a few subjects to provide teachers with clearer guidance. Additionally, leaders should ensure that all staff are well-equipped to deliver the phonics program consistently. Overall, Garstang Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils.
