Edenfield Church of England Primary School, located in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, has been inspected recently, and the overall judgement remains good. The inspection, conducted on 18 and 19 October 2023, indicated that the school might achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were to take place. The school is well-regarded within the local community, and pupils express happiness in attending. They build positive relationships with staff, who maintain high expectations for all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged. This supportive environment contributes to exceptional pupil achievement across a broad range of subjects, with a curriculum that includes local area studies.
Pupils demonstrate kindness and courtesy towards one another, exhibiting excellent behavior. Older students take on leadership roles, promoting the school’s values and supporting younger pupils, especially those in early years. Recognition for good behavior and academic achievements, such as the ‘star of the day’ badge, is appreciated by students. They also value opportunities to share their successes with parents during celebration assemblies.
The school offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and hobbies. Activities include horse riding, skiing, and various clubs such as craft and e-safety. The school actively encourages participation in sports, music, debating competitions, and annual drama productions, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can engage fully.
School leaders and the governing body share a strong vision for high-quality education, fostering a culture of high expectations. Governors possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide effective support and challenge to school leaders. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, beginning in early years and designed to ensure that pupils develop essential knowledge systematically over time.
Teachers are well-equipped with subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum confidently. They create engaging learning experiences that help pupils understand concepts and make connections to prior learning. This approach fosters a rich and cohesive body of knowledge among students. Teachers also employ effective strategies to assess pupil learning, promptly addressing any gaps in understanding.
The school has established processes to identify the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum successfully. This commitment has resulted in strong achievement among these pupils. The school promotes reading through a newly implemented programme, ensuring that staff are well-trained to deliver it effectively. The selection of reading materials aligns with the sounds taught, and pupils are encouraged to choose ambitious texts for independent reading.
Behaviour expectations are high, with clear systems in place to manage any issues. These systems are rarely needed, as pupils are adept at self-managing their behavior. Classrooms are welcoming environments where pupils feel comfortable expressing themselves. The school emphasizes the importance of teaching about diverse cultures and religions, preparing pupils for modern British society. Pupils articulate their learning confidently, demonstrating an understanding of online safety and mental health strategies.
Parents generally express satisfaction with the school, appreciating regular updates on their children’s progress. Staff also report positively on the school’s leadership, particularly regarding efforts to reduce workload and support staff well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in April 2014.
