All Saints Upton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Widnes, Cheshire, has recently undergone an inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at All Saints Upton express enjoyment in their school experience and take pride in their learning. They understand the importance of hard work and are eager to discuss their educational achievements. The school effectively supports all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve well across most subjects and are prepared for future educational stages.
The school fosters a respectful and safe environment where pupils are polite and considerate towards one another and the staff. The culture of respect is evident, and pupils feel secure knowing that staff are available to assist them with any concerns. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as judo, multi-sports, and cooking clubs, which cater to the diverse interests of the pupils, including those with special educational needs. This approach helps to nurture their talents beyond the academic curriculum.
In terms of curriculum design, the school has developed a well-structured program that meets the needs of its pupils. From the early years, the curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to provide essential knowledge for future learning. Across key stages one and two, the curriculum is delivered in a logical sequence, although there are a few subjects where the school is still finalizing the essential knowledge required for building on previous learning. This occasionally leads to staff being unclear about what pupils should learn.
Teachers generally excel in assessing pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. They ensure that previous learning is revisited, allowing pupils, including those with special educational needs, to build their knowledge over time. The school has prioritized phonics instruction, with children beginning to learn about letters and their corresponding sounds in the Reception Year. Staff deliver the phonics program with expertise, enabling pupils to practice reading with books that align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering fluency in reading.
Recently, the school has introduced initiatives to encourage a love for reading among pupils, providing access to a diverse range of high-quality literature. However, some pupils struggle to build on their initial reading skills as they progress through the school, which can hinder their ability to engage with the wider curriculum effectively.
The school excels in providing pastoral support, ensuring that all pupils, especially the most vulnerable, receive guidance on maintaining their physical and mental health. Pupils learn about online safety and the implications of their digital footprint. They demonstrate tolerance and respect for diversity, gaining a comprehensive understanding of different cultures and faiths. The school encourages pupils to be responsible citizens, actively participating in charitable activities and community engagement.
Leadership at all levels, including the governing body, has significantly enhanced the quality of education. Leaders prioritize staff well-being in their decision-making processes. The school collaborates closely with parents and carers, equipping them to support their children's learning effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to further promote a culture of reading to enhance pupils' interest and enjoyment in literature. Additionally, there is a need to clarify the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire in a few subjects to ensure staff are well-informed about the curriculum's requirements.
Overall, All Saints Upton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement and success in the future.
