Phoenix Primary School, located on Birchfield Road in Liverpool, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 14 and 15, 2022. The school provides a safe and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and proud to be part of the community. Staff members are dedicated to understanding the needs of each pupil, ensuring that everyone, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, feels included and supported. The school promotes high expectations for behavior and academic performance, which pupils consistently meet. During break times, students engage positively with one another, demonstrating politeness and good manners.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which had been affected by the pandemic but are gradually being reintroduced. Pupils express excitement about participating in events and taking on responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors or digital leaders. The leadership team, including governors, has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They are committed to fostering an environment where pupils can achieve academically and develop character. The curriculum is broad and rich, designed to spark pupils' interest in the world around them. Leaders have identified essential knowledge and skills across subjects, ensuring that the curriculum meets the diverse needs of all pupils.
Staff training is effective, and teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to facilitate learning. However, in some subjects, the implementation of a new curriculum is still in its early stages, which has led to some pupils not retaining key knowledge as effectively as they should. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with improvements made to the phonics curriculum. Staff are well-trained to teach phonics, and early years pupils engage in learning sounds that correspond to the books they read, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. The school quickly identifies pupils at risk of falling behind in their reading skills and provides effective support to help them catch up.
Leaders ensure that the additional needs of pupils are identified promptly, allowing staff to provide the necessary support for those with special educational needs. The school collaborates with external agencies to assist pupils with more complex needs, ensuring that they achieve well. The overall atmosphere at Phoenix Primary School is positive, with pupils displaying good behavior and a keen interest in learning. Classrooms are calm and conducive to education, allowing pupils to focus without disruption.
While the school provides opportunities for personal development, there are areas for improvement. The personal development curriculum lacks coherence, limiting opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests fully. Leaders are encouraged to enhance the personal development curriculum to offer a wider range of experiences that promote responsible citizenship and broaden pupils' horizons. Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling valued and supported by leadership, which is mindful of their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Phoenix Primary School are effective, with systems in place to prioritize pupil safety. Staff receive regular training to recognize signs of potential harm, and concerns are reported promptly. The school has developed a curriculum that educates pupils on managing risks, including online safety and healthy relationships. Overall, while Phoenix Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are opportunities for further development in curriculum implementation and personal development to ensure that all pupils receive a well-rounded education.
