Moorbrook School, located in Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, has undergone an ungraded inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023. The overall judgement remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The school has experienced significant growth in pupil numbers since its last inspection, leading to challenges in maintaining the quality of education amidst increased demand. Despite these challenges, pupils report feeling safe and happy, with strong relationships between staff and students. Trust in teachers is evident, particularly among those who have previously disengaged from education.
Pupils engage well in their learning, and their behavior is commendable throughout the school environment. The school offers a variety of opportunities that foster personal development, including resilience and teamwork. Pupils are encouraged to aspire to diverse career paths, benefiting from vocational learning options that help them explore their interests. The school aims for pupils to achieve the necessary qualifications for their future endeavors, although some subjects lack the ambition needed in their curriculum, which affects overall learning outcomes.
While the school has implemented strategies to support pupils with reading difficulties, these initiatives are still in the early stages. The curriculum is broad but lacks clarity regarding essential knowledge that pupils must acquire, which hinders effective lesson planning. Assessment procedures have been introduced to gauge pupils' starting points, but there is uncertainty about how this information is utilized to address knowledge gaps. Although teachers effectively address misconceptions during lessons, the assessments used to track long-term retention of knowledge are underdeveloped.
Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Effective systems are in place to identify additional needs promptly, and recent training has enhanced staff capabilities in addressing social and emotional barriers to learning. The school recognizes the importance of fostering a love for reading, with staff regularly reading to pupils and encouraging interest in various texts. However, a phonics program to support early reading development has not been fully established, which affects some pupils' fluency and confidence in reading.
The school maintains a strong partnership with parents and carers, ensuring regular communication that involves them in their children's learning strategies. This collaboration extends to behavior management, allowing consistent approaches at home and school. The school is committed to preparing pupils for their next steps, providing impartial careers information and guidance to facilitate successful transitions to post-16 education or training.
Life skills are integrated into daily experiences, with pupils participating in community projects and learning about financial management. Leaders prioritize staff well-being, considering the impact of curriculum delivery decisions on workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must clarify the precise knowledge pupils should learn in various subjects to enhance lesson design. Additionally, the assessment systems need further development to provide teachers with comprehensive insights into pupils' learning progress. The implementation of a robust phonics program is essential to ensure all pupils acquire the necessary skills for fluent reading. Overall, while Moorbrook School demonstrates strengths in many areas, addressing these key issues will be crucial for its continued success and improvement.
