Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 September 2022. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe, fostering a strong sense of community that is appreciated by parents and carers. Pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness and eagerness to learn, and they understand the importance of respect for others, regardless of differences. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that pupils trust staff to resolve any issues promptly.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being school councillors or sports leaders, which helps them prepare for future challenges. They enjoy well-equipped outdoor areas and participate in various activities that enhance their academic, creative, and sporting skills. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have structured the curriculum to ensure that pupils build on their prior knowledge and skills logically.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and present information clearly. In subjects like reading and mathematics, they regularly assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions effectively. However, in some subjects, there is a need for improvement in how teachers check pupils' retention of knowledge, which can hinder their learning progression. Staff are skilled in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with leaders carefully selecting high-quality books for pupils. Staff effectively teach phonics, helping children develop into confident readers. The school has made recent changes to the curriculum organization, but in some subjects, leaders have not consistently checked the implementation of these changes, which affects their understanding of pupil achievement.
Children in the Reception class settle quickly and engage well in learning activities. The school promotes a calm and focused learning environment, where pupils understand the behavior expectations and the associated rewards and consequences. Leaders provide opportunities for personal development, including community visits and learning about different cultures and religions, fostering tolerance and appreciation for diversity.
Governors are actively involved and understand their responsibilities, supporting staff well-being by reviewing policies to reduce workload. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with trained staff who know pupils and families well. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with clear systems for reporting concerns and ensuring pupils learn about safety, including road safety and social media risks.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all teachers regularly check pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge across all subjects. This will help build a secure foundation for new learning. Additionally, leaders should ensure that pupils have ample opportunities to revisit prior learning to enhance knowledge retention. In subjects where curriculum changes have been made, leaders must check the implementation to ensure consistent pupil achievement across all areas. Overall, Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
