Fleetwood Chaucer Community Primary School, located in Fleetwood, Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection on December 6 and 7, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school fosters a positive learning environment, encouraging a 'can do' attitude among its pupils. Many students actively engage with the learning opportunities provided, leading to commendable academic achievements. The school is welcoming to all students, including those who join mid-way through their primary education, and is committed to ensuring that every child, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, has the opportunity to succeed.
Pupils demonstrate a strong willingness to adhere to the school's high behavioural expectations. They trust the staff to support them with any concerns, contributing to a happy school atmosphere. The school provides effective support for those who need assistance in managing their emotions, ensuring that all pupils feel secure and valued.
Community involvement is a key aspect of the school’s ethos. Pupils take pride in contributing to both their school and the wider community, engaging in leadership roles such as house captains and sports leaders. They participate in fundraising for local charities and environmental initiatives, such as beach clean-ups, which instill a sense of responsibility and community spirit.
The curriculum is well-structured, spanning from the Nursery Year to the end of Key Stage 2. It is designed to be ambitious and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, receive the necessary support to make positive progress. The school has implemented effective systems to identify and address the additional needs of these pupils, allowing them to thrive academically.
Teachers receive high-quality training and support, enabling them to deliver the curriculum effectively. Learning activities are thoughtfully designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge, although published performance data suggests that some pupils may not achieve as well as their peers nationally. However, this is attributed to the fact that many students join the school with varying levels of prior experience. The school addresses any gaps in knowledge, ensuring that all pupils make strong progress from their individual starting points.
Phonics instruction is prioritized, with a well-constructed programme that begins in the Reception Year. Staff are well-trained to support pupils who require additional help, and new arrivals, including those who speak English as an additional language, quickly adapt and succeed in their phonics learning.
Pupils have access to a diverse range of reading materials, which enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Most students exhibit good behaviour, with staff effectively guiding younger children to understand school rules and routines. However, some pupils experience frequent absences, which negatively impacts their learning.
The school is proactive in promoting pupils' wider development, teaching them about online safety, equality, and healthy relationships. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school to maintain high educational standards while being mindful of staff workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school must focus on enhancing attendance for those pupils who are not attending regularly, enabling them to benefit fully from the quality education provided. Overall, Fleetwood Chaucer Community Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
