Blueberry Park is a primary school located in Liverpool, Merseyside, which has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2022. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where pupils are greeted warmly by staff and the school dog, Alfie, fostering a sense of safety and belonging among students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The positive atmosphere contributes to pupils' happiness and enjoyment of school life.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of behavioral expectations, with younger children displaying excellent tidiness and older students adhering to school rules, creating a calm and orderly environment. The school emphasizes the importance of caring for oneself and others, with staff effectively addressing issues such as bullying, which pupils assert is not tolerated. The leadership team has made significant improvements to the curriculum, raising expectations and enabling pupils to achieve well across various subjects.
The leadership structure has been strengthened through recent appointments, which has accelerated curriculum improvements. Leaders, governors, and staff share a unified vision for pupil achievement, resulting in a well-designed curriculum that enhances vocabulary and broadens experiences. While pupils generally retain knowledge well, attendance remains a concern, with some students not attending regularly enough to fully benefit from the curriculum.
Curriculum plans in most subjects are well-established, supported by regular staff training that has enhanced subject knowledge. Teachers effectively plan lessons that introduce, revisit, and assess learning, providing pupils with a solid foundation. For instance, in mathematics, young children engage in counting through songs, while older pupils demonstrate an understanding of numerical concepts. However, in some subjects, recent changes have not yet been fully embedded, leading to inconsistencies in knowledge retention as pupils progress through year groups.
Reading instruction begins in the Reception Year, with a newly introduced phonics program that has been well-received by staff. Children learn new letters and sounds daily, continuing into key stage one, where they practice reading with appropriately matched books. Additional support is provided for those needing extra help, particularly in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leaders are committed to meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating with parents and professionals to ensure appropriate support. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to engage effectively in lessons. The curriculum also addresses pupils' wider development, promoting respect for diversity and preparing them for future challenges.
Governors contribute valuable skills and expertise, providing informed support and challenge to school leaders. They prioritize staff well-being and workload, which is appreciated by the teaching staff. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential abuse. Pupils are educated on online safety and healthy relationships, ensuring they understand the importance of positive interactions.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects require further development to ensure that essential knowledge is consistently identified and retained. Additionally, addressing low attendance is crucial for maximizing pupil achievement. Leaders are actively working with parents and agencies to improve attendance rates, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their full potential. Overall, Blueberry Park continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
