Preesall Fleetwood's Charity Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection on 18 October 2023. The school is characterized by a small and friendly environment where pupils are happy and thrive. They appreciate the nurturing atmosphere created by the staff, which fosters positive attitudes towards learning. This is evident in their sensible behavior during lessons and break times. The school promotes a sense of community through its ‘family groups’ at lunchtime, where older pupils serve lunch to younger ones, ensuring inclusivity and care among students. Initiatives like the ‘welly wall’ allow pupils to borrow wellies to play outside in all weather, reflecting the school’s commitment to ensuring that every child feels included.
Outdoor learning is highly valued, with pupils spending time in the school’s forest area, where they develop essential skills such as teamwork and shelter building. Parents and carers recognize these opportunities as part of what makes the school special. The curriculum has been strengthened across all subjects, and the school aims for all pupils to achieve success. Typically, pupils perform well academically, benefiting from a high-quality curriculum that is ambitious and well-structured.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access appropriate learning. The small class sizes allow for tailored instruction, and leaders are committed to preparing pupils for key stage three. Staff are knowledgeable about the curriculum and design learning activities that emphasize essential information. Rigorous processes are in place to assess pupils' understanding and address any gaps in knowledge before introducing new content.
Reading is prioritized from the early years, with initiatives in the Nursery class that engage parents in supporting their children's reading development. The introduction of a new phonics program has been beneficial, although there are instances where support for struggling readers could be improved. Staff sometimes do not utilize the most effective strategies, which can hinder some pupils' progress in becoming confident readers.
The school has seen an increase in pupils with additional needs, and while staff receive information about these needs, there are occasions when adaptations to the curriculum delivery are not as effective as they could be. This can impact the learning outcomes for some pupils with special educational needs.
Extra-curricular opportunities abound, with activities such as archery and gardening clubs, and pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the school, such as eco monitors and candle monitors. These experiences prepare pupils for their future roles in society. The relationships between pupils and staff are built on mutual respect, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere in classrooms.
Communication with parents is strong, with regular newsletters keeping them informed about their children's learning. Governors are well-informed and actively support the school in its continuous improvement efforts. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, feeling valued and supported in their roles.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all staff are equipped to support pupils with reading difficulties and those with special educational needs. Overall, Preesall Fleetwood's Charity Church of England Primary School remains a good school, committed to the success and well-being of its pupils.
