Eccleston Primary School, located in Chorley, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, taking pride in their school and friendships. The relationships between pupils and staff are built on mutual respect, contributing to a collaborative learning atmosphere. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior and are highly engaged in their lessons, motivated by teachers who maintain high expectations for their achievements. The support system in place, including playground buddies and anti-bullying ambassadors, ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
The curriculum at Eccleston Primary is ambitious and designed to spark curiosity and excitement among pupils. They enjoy a variety of activities, including the daily mile during playtime and outdoor learning experiences in the forest. The school offers opportunities for musical education, allowing pupils to learn various instruments and participate in rock bands. A diverse range of clubs is available, promoting both sporting and artistic pursuits. The leadership team actively nurtures strong relationships with parents and carers, inviting them to participate in school events and fostering a sense of community.
The school excels in providing a broad curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Subject leaders possess strong knowledge and have carefully structured the curriculum to ensure that pupils build on their existing knowledge. This approach has resulted in pupils retaining what they have learned and achieving well academically. Teachers present new information clearly and regularly assess pupils' understanding, using this data to inform their teaching strategies. However, there are instances where activities do not align with the intended curriculum, which can lead to missed opportunities for reinforcing essential knowledge.
Reading is a central focus at Eccleston Primary, with a strong emphasis on developing a love for reading from the early years. Storytime is a cherished part of the day, and older pupils enjoy listening to a variety of engaging texts. The school boasts an extensive library, which pupils enthusiastically utilize. Phonics instruction begins as soon as children enter the early years, and staff effectively teach early reading skills, enabling most pupils to become fluent readers by the end of key stage one.
The school environment promotes respect and courtesy, with children quickly adapting to routines and learning to support one another. This positive atmosphere contributes to focused learning, with minimal disruption in lessons. Pupils are encouraged to develop personally through extracurricular activities, including volunteering as sports ambassadors and participating in the school council. They express excitement about various experiences, such as growing and selling vegetables from the school allotment.
Governors are committed to the success of all pupils and are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff appreciate the leadership's efforts to reduce their workload and describe the team as supportive. The safeguarding arrangements at Eccleston Primary are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety and ensuring that staff receive regular training. Pupils learn about health and safety through the curriculum and understand the importance of reporting concerns to trusted adults.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that all activities align with the intended curriculum to reinforce key knowledge. Leaders should focus on planning activities that reflect the essential knowledge pupils need to learn and remember. Overall, Eccleston Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
