Chorley All Saints Church of England Primary School and Nursery Unit received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 18 and 19 April 2023, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in December 2016. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils express high regard for their school, feeling happy and safe, and describe it as an amazing place to learn. They appreciate the care and support provided by staff, which motivates them to meet high expectations for behavior and learning. The school fosters a culture where pupils are encouraged to persevere and understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process. This positive environment contributes to good achievement across the curriculum, including for those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as early years children.
Pupils demonstrate an age-appropriate understanding of equality and the importance of treating others with respect. The school effectively addresses any incidents of name-calling or bullying, ensuring that pupils feel supported. The range of extracurricular activities, including gardening, sports clubs, and choir, enriches the pupils' experience, and they take pride in their involvement in charitable initiatives. These activities help cultivate responsible citizenship among the students.
The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, with leaders carefully mapping out the content that pupils should learn. Teachers generally select suitable activities that facilitate learning, although there are instances where the chosen activities do not fully support pupils in acquiring new knowledge. This occasionally hinders some pupils from reaching their full potential. Leaders are proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of school life.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with staff dedicated to fostering a love of reading among pupils. Older students enjoy visiting the local library, while younger pupils participate in reading sessions with their parents. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception class, and a new system for teaching early reading has been implemented. However, there are occasional mismatches between the books provided to pupils and their phonics knowledge, which can lead to difficulties in reading comprehension.
Most pupils exhibit good behavior and positive attitudes towards learning, although a small number occasionally do not meet the expected standards of conduct. This can impact their learning and that of their peers. The school offers various opportunities for personal development, including leadership roles that instill a sense of responsibility in pupils. Staff emphasize the importance of role models who have made positive contributions to society, inspiring pupils to aspire to their own futures.
Governors are knowledgeable and skilled, ensuring that school leaders focus on continuous improvement in education quality. They are aware of the pressures faced by staff and have established systems to support their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school community. Staff receive appropriate training to identify and address welfare concerns promptly. The curriculum includes safeguarding education, equipping pupils with the knowledge to keep themselves safe.
To improve further, the school should ensure that teachers consistently select the most appropriate activities for new learning and that all pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure consistent positive behavior among all pupils to enhance the overall learning environment.
