St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School in Blackburn, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 7 and 8, 2021. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils eagerly anticipate attending each day, which is evident in their high attendance and punctuality rates. The environment is described as happy, friendly, and caring, fostering strong relationships among pupils who demonstrate kindness and consideration towards one another. Any minor conflicts are resolved swiftly by staff, and pupils feel confident that teachers will address any bullying effectively, contributing to a sense of safety within the school.
The school is vibrant and engaging, with pupils actively enjoying their learning experiences. They are attentive in lessons and responsive to their teachers' guidance, which reflects the high expectations set by the educators. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to progress well across various subjects. Leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, having built upon the previous inspection's findings. They have prioritized the development of subjects beyond English and mathematics, ensuring that pupils receive a well-rounded education.
The leadership team is committed to inspiring a love for learning among pupils, having designed an ambitious curriculum that covers a wide range of topics. This approach enables pupils to gain a solid foundation in their studies, and they can articulate their learning experiences effectively. For instance, younger pupils can discuss historical topics, such as the lives of millworkers in Victorian Blackburn. The school has also made significant strides in early reading, with a well-implemented phonics curriculum that supports pupils in reading with confidence and accuracy.
Despite the many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. In a few subjects, the precise knowledge that pupils need to learn is not clearly defined, which can hinder their progress. Additionally, some lesson activities may not be optimally designed to ensure a deep understanding of the concepts being taught. Leaders are encouraged to refine the curriculum further to enhance pupils' systematic knowledge and skills across all subjects.
The school maintains a calm and orderly environment, with high expectations for behavior established from the outset. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, contributing to a positive school culture where bullying is rare. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has prioritized activities that promote pupils' well-being, such as sports and relaxation sessions.
The governing body is experienced and effective, utilizing COVID-19 catch-up funding to ensure that all pupils can access remote education, thereby minimizing disruptions to their learning. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. The designated safeguarding leaders collaborate effectively with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and their families.
Overall, St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and academic achievement. The school is well-prepared for the next stages of education for its pupils, and the leadership team is focused on continuous improvement to enhance the learning experience further.
