Cadishead Primary School, located in Manchester, underwent an inspection on November 8 and 9, 2023, which resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of inadequate. The quality of education was also rated inadequate, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated good. Leadership and management received an inadequate rating, and early years provision was deemed to require improvement. This inspection marked a significant decline from the previous inspection in April 2018, where the school was rated good.
The report highlighted that pupils in Years 1 to 6 are not receiving the quality of education they deserve, leading to poor academic achievement. The school's focus has been primarily on managing behaviour, which has overshadowed the academic development of students. Although pupils reported improvements in behaviour and expressed feelings of safety and happiness at school, the academic curriculum has not been sufficiently prioritized.
Pupils demonstrated politeness and strong friendships, and early years children are settling into school more effectively due to recent curriculum improvements. However, they are still not adequately prepared for Year 1. The school has made efforts to enhance the curriculum, but it lacks ambition and coherence, resulting in a disjointed learning experience for pupils.
Leaders and governors have been criticized for their inability to address the school's shortcomings, particularly in improving educational quality. The report indicated that the curriculum does not meet the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Consequently, many pupils are ill-prepared for the next stages of their education.
In the early years, while some progress has been made in addressing curriculum weaknesses, inconsistencies in implementation across different areas of learning remain. This inconsistency affects children's readiness for Year 1, particularly in writing skills. The school has not effectively ensured that children gain the fundamental knowledge necessary for success in later stages of education.
The report also pointed out that the school does not adequately monitor what is being taught or how well pupils are learning, leading to unaddressed weaknesses in educational quality. Despite some successes in mathematics and early reading programs, gaps in knowledge persist, particularly among older pupils who have not benefited from recent curriculum changes.
Attendance remains a concern, with some groups of pupils regularly absent, further hindering their academic progress. The school has begun to take action to improve attendance, but these efforts have not been swift or robust enough.
The inspection concluded that the school requires special measures due to its failure to provide an acceptable standard of education and the lack of capacity among leaders and governors to secure necessary improvements. The report emphasized the urgent need for the school to clarify its curriculum thinking, ensure effective implementation, and improve assessment strategies to support pupil learning.
Overall, while there are positive aspects regarding pupil behaviour and personal development, significant challenges remain in delivering a high-quality education at Cadishead Primary School. The school must take immediate action to address these issues to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for its pupils.
