Blackpool St John’s Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, providing a warm and welcoming environment for its pupils. During the inspection, students expressed their happiness and love for school, highlighting their regular attendance and feelings of safety. They reported that staff are attentive and approachable, ensuring that any worries are addressed promptly. The school promotes a culture of high expectations, which contributes to the pupils' academic success. The behavior of students is generally sensible, and any incidents of poor behavior or bullying are dealt with swiftly by the staff. Older students appreciate the recognition they receive for their good behavior, such as house points, and they take pride in their roles as prefects and school councillors.
The school offers a variety of enrichment activities, including educational trips and extracurricular options like football, dance, and guitar lessons. The leadership team, including the headteacher and governing body, is effective in guiding the school. They have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, and their plans for development are well-defined. The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to meet the diverse needs of the pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. Pupils consistently achieve above national averages in reading, writing, and mathematics by the time they reach Year 6, preparing them well for secondary education.
Reading is a particular strength of the school, with children receiving a strong foundation in early years that continues into Year 1. The phonics curriculum has seen improvements due to well-planned training for staff, who provide effective support for pupils who may struggle. The school ensures that reading materials are appropriately matched to the pupils' learning stages, and teachers utilize group reading activities to enhance comprehension. The curriculum in subjects like mathematics and geography is logically structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively.
While the school excels in many areas, there are subjects where development is still needed. Leaders are encouraged to continue embedding recent curriculum changes to ensure consistent high standards across all subjects. Personal development is a focus, with pupils learning about democracy and different faiths, which prepares them for life in modern Britain. The school promotes good citizenship and encourages charity work, fostering a sense of community among students.
In the early years, the curriculum is vibrant and well-organized, although there is still work to be done to ensure all children are fully prepared for Year 1. Support for pupils with special educational needs is well-managed, with effective tracking of their progress and tailored support for emotional needs. Staff enjoy working at the school and appreciate the guidance provided by leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with regular training for staff to ensure they are equipped to handle any concerns regarding pupil well-being. The school maintains detailed records and collaborates with various agencies to provide necessary support for students. Overall, Blackpool St John’s Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, with a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of its pupils.
