Fleetwood Flakefleet Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 1 and 2, 2024. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils thrive due to the exceptional support provided by the staff. The commitment of the school to the well-being of its students is evident, as it actively works to identify and remove barriers to learning. This dedication extends to the families of the pupils, fostering a strong sense of community.
The school aims for academic success, and recent enhancements to the curriculum have led to improved outcomes across various subjects. Pupils not only excel academically but also develop socially and emotionally, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. The school promotes a positive atmosphere where students enjoy their time, engage in cooperative play during breaks, and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that enrich their experiences.
The leadership team, along with a united staff, is determined to provide the best possible start for all pupils, particularly those entering the early years who may not meet typical developmental milestones. The school has implemented innovative strategies to support these students, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to catch up. The Strive café serves as a community hub, enhancing access to essential services for families.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect towards one another and staff, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment. The school closely monitors attendance and collaborates with parents to address any issues, resulting in a significant reduction in absenteeism. The Flakefleet Adventures program exemplifies the school's commitment to broadening pupils' horizons through various enriching experiences.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The recent data indicates that the proportion of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 is below the national average. This is attributed to gaps in knowledge stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, previous curriculum weaknesses, and high absence rates. The school has made substantial changes to its curriculum to address these issues, ensuring it is ambitious and logically structured to facilitate knowledge building over time.
Teachers are encouraged to identify and address pupils' errors during lessons, but there is a need for more effective checks to ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge required for progression. This gap can hinder some pupils' learning as they may struggle to grasp new concepts without a solid understanding of prior material. Additionally, while the phonics program is well-implemented, some strategies for helping pupils catch up may inadvertently hinder their progress in both reading and writing.
The school recognizes the importance of developing fundamental skills in spelling, grammar, and handwriting, which are essential for success in English and other subjects. There is a commitment to ensuring that these skills receive greater focus in the early years and Key Stage 1, preparing pupils for future academic challenges.
Overall, Fleetwood Flakefleet Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a clear focus on both academic and personal development. The school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for improvement, ensuring that all students can achieve their full potential.
