Scarisbrick St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, located in Ormskirk, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, contributing to a strong sense of community. Students enjoy their time at school and build good relationships with their peers and teachers. New students are welcomed and supported in making friends, ensuring a smooth transition into the school community.
The leadership team and staff are dedicated to the academic success of all pupils, including those in the early years. The school maintains a calm and focused atmosphere, which supports effective learning. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well during their time at the school. High expectations for behavior are evident, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards visitors. They behave exceptionally well in lessons and during playtime, and they feel confident that their concerns will be addressed by the staff. Instances of bullying or name-calling are rare and are dealt with promptly and effectively.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and music, which many pupils participate in. The coding club engages in international projects, enhancing the learning experience. Regular educational trips and residential visits further enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom.
The school has prioritized the teaching of phonics and reading, implementing a well-established phonics program. Young children in the early years develop their understanding of sounds and letters through daily phonics lessons. This structured approach helps pupils read confidently and tackle challenging words. Older pupils continue to enjoy reading and can discuss their favorite authors and genres.
The curriculum is broad and engaging, designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs. However, leaders are still refining their assessment strategies to better identify gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly for those who join the school mid-year. Teachers utilize a range of resources and activities to support learning effectively. In the early years, children benefit from engaging learning environments, although there is room for improvement in clearly identifying the knowledge that children should acquire over time.
Leaders are attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing effective support to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior throughout the school day, contributing positively to the learning environment. The school promotes pupils' physical and mental well-being, ensuring they understand the importance of kindness and respect for others.
Governors are knowledgeable and supportive of the school, advocating for its future and considering staff well-being in decision-making. Staff feel valued, and their input is taken into account, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying and reporting any concerns regarding pupil safety. The school ensures that pupils are educated about keeping themselves safe in various situations, including online safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Assessment strategies in some subjects need enhancement to provide clearer insights into pupils' prior knowledge. Additionally, the early years curriculum should continue to develop sequentially across all areas of learning to ensure children are well-prepared for future educational challenges. Overall, Scarisbrick St Mark’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
