New Longton All Saints CofE Primary School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection conducted on November 12-13, 2019. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming atmosphere, where pupils, staff, parents, and carers express satisfaction with the environment. The school promotes its values through the ‘All Saints way,’ emphasizing kindness, patience, and joy. Pupils find the school experience enjoyable, describing it as brilliant, fun, and exciting. They actively participate in various clubs, including yoga, cricket, and gardening, and particularly enjoy lessons conducted in the school’s forest area, which fosters teamwork and resilience.
Leadership at the school is committed to providing numerous opportunities for personal development. Pupils take pride in their leadership roles, such as librarians and house captains, and engage with the local community through activities like singing for the elderly. The staff is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their best. Feedback from parents and pupils highlights the value of the extensive support provided to students.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with older students serving as positive role models for younger ones. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by staff. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel heard and supported in addressing their concerns.
The curriculum is broad and engaging, with leaders planning educational trips to enhance learning experiences. In 2019, pupils’ achievements in reading, writing, and mathematics surpassed the national average at the end of key stage two, indicating that they are well-prepared for their next educational phase. The school offers a variety of experiences that cultivate an interest in the world, including wild camping and local area studies. Regular visits to the local church and participation in services contribute to pupils’ understanding of different religions.
Mathematics instruction is effective, with pupils developing confidence and accuracy. In the early years, children engage in creative activities to explore numbers, and practical equipment is utilized across the school to deepen understanding. The emphasis on fluency in mathematics is evident, and support for pupils with special educational needs is well-implemented.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with an attractive library and reading areas encouraging a love for literature. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and most pupils meet the expected standards in the Year 1 phonics screening check. However, some younger pupils struggle with reading books that do not align with their phonics skills, indicating an area for improvement.
In history, recent enhancements to the curriculum have improved pupils’ retention of knowledge, although there is still a need for better long-term memory of learning. Leaders are actively working on strategies to ensure that changes in planning and teaching are effective.
The early years program is robust, with engaging activities that support children’s learning from the outset. Phonics lessons begin early, and staff provide parents with resources to assist with reading at home. The school environment promotes cooperative learning, with older pupils guiding younger ones in social interactions.
Overall, the school is a supportive and effective learning environment where staff feel valued and supported. Leaders are attentive to staff workload and encourage collaboration among teachers to enhance their skills. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders actively addressing areas that require attention to maintain high standards of education.
