Cop Lane Church of England Primary School in Penwortham, Lancashire, was inspected on June 18 and 19, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a positive environment where pupils feel happy, safe, and well cared for. They demonstrate kindness towards one another and exhibit enthusiasm for their learning, which is reflected in their good behavior. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and they achieve well in core subjects like English and mathematics.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, promoting equality and diversity effectively. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including music and sports clubs, and each year group participates in at least one curriculum trip. Year 6 pupils have the opportunity for a residential visit, enhancing their educational experience. The school encourages older pupils to take on responsibilities, such as buddy roles and participation in a ‘voice for change group’ that supports charitable causes, including fundraising for a linked school in Uganda.
While the school has a well-structured curriculum in many subjects, there are areas that require improvement. In some subjects, particularly in the early years, the curriculum is not as clearly defined, which can hinder the progression of knowledge acquisition. The school has identified what it expects pupils to learn but has not always broken this down into smaller, manageable steps. This can lead to inconsistencies in how knowledge is built over time, affecting the depth of understanding in certain subjects.
The school fosters a love of reading, providing pupils with access to high-quality texts and a well-implemented phonics program. Most pupils meet the phonics screening check in Year 1, and teachers are attentive to the needs of pupils who may struggle, offering timely support. Feedback from teachers is constructive, helping pupils to correct errors and misconceptions.
The school conducts regular checks on curriculum delivery, but the oversight in some subjects is not as thorough, which can result in unaddressed deficiencies in curriculum design and delivery. The school has effective systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs early and adapts the curriculum to ensure these pupils can access learning successfully.
Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, learning about healthy relationships, online safety, and physical health. Attendance is generally good, and pupils value their education, contributing to a positive learning environment. The governing body is effective, and staff report high levels of support from leaders regarding their workload and well-being.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. However, to improve further, the school needs to refine its curriculum guidance to clarify expectations for knowledge acquisition and enhance the evaluation processes for curriculum design and delivery. This will help ensure that all pupils can build a secure and logical understanding of the subjects they study, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes. Overall, Cop Lane Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with clear areas for growth to enhance its educational offerings.
