Trinity Church of England/Methodist School in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 9-10, 2020. The school provides a happy, friendly, and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences. The staff maintain high expectations for all students and ensure they are well cared for. The curriculum is broad and engaging, allowing pupils to achieve well and develop resilience as learners. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including football and dance clubs, as well as educational trips to music concerts and other places of interest. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as being monitors and play leaders for younger children, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are fully included in all activities.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with many demonstrating politeness and good manners. Feedback from pupils indicates that bullying is rare, and any incidents are dealt with swiftly by staff. Parents and carers express overwhelming positivity about the nurturing and caring environment of the school. The leadership team, including the recently appointed headteacher, has fostered a sense of community where everyone feels valued. The curriculum is well-planned, allowing pupils to learn topics logically and effectively. Leaders regularly review and adapt the curriculum to meet the needs and interests of the pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stages of their education.
Reading is a strong focus at Trinity, with pupils developing a love for reading through regular engagement with a wide range of texts. By the time they leave the school, most pupils are confident and fluent readers. The staff possess strong subject knowledge, particularly in phonics, and have made improvements to the phonics curriculum to address previous shortcomings in the Year 1 phonics screening check. The mathematics curriculum is also well-organized, with teachers receiving effective training that enhances their subject knowledge. Pupils demonstrate strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, achieving well in mathematics, particularly at the end of key stage 2.
While most subjects in the wider curriculum are well-planned, some areas, such as modern foreign languages and design and technology, require further development to ensure they meet the same high standards as English and mathematics. Leaders are aware of this and are working to embed the necessary changes. Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, and their individual needs are understood and addressed effectively by teachers.
Pupils learn to respect diversity and appreciate different faiths, which contributes to a positive school culture. They feel their voices are heard and value the recognition they receive for their achievements. The school has made efforts to improve attendance over time by working closely with families. The early years setting is described as bright and safe, with staff who know the children and their families exceptionally well, ensuring that all children's needs are met.
The safeguarding arrangements at Trinity are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupils' mental health and well-being. Staff are well-trained and know how to respond to any concerns regarding pupils' safety. Overall, Trinity Church of England/Methodist School continues to provide a good education, with areas identified for improvement, particularly in phonics and the embedding of recent curriculum changes. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
