Ashbury Meadow Primary School, located in Beswick, Manchester, has been recognized for its outstanding performance in various aspects of education. The recent inspection, conducted from June 30 to July 1, 2015, highlighted the school’s exceptional leadership, management, teaching quality, and pupil achievement. The headteacher is noted for providing energetic and inspirational leadership, fostering a culture of high expectations among both staff and pupils. Senior leaders serve as excellent role models, contributing significantly to the school’s success.
The quality of teaching at Ashbury Meadow is outstanding, with teachers dedicated to providing the best education possible for all pupils. They employ effective strategies to ensure that all groups of pupils, including those with disabilities, special educational needs, and disadvantaged backgrounds, make remarkable progress from their starting points. The teaching of early years is also exemplary, with children benefiting from a wide range of high-quality learning experiences that promote their development.
The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and inclusivity, celebrating the diversity of its pupils. Relationships between staff and pupils are a significant strength, contributing to a safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and cared for. The behaviour and safety of pupils are outstanding, with pupils demonstrating respect and kindness towards one another. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the supportive atmosphere that enables their children to thrive.
Ashbury Meadow Primary School effectively collaborates with external agencies to provide comprehensive support for pupils’ academic and emotional development. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting individual and small group learning, enhancing the overall educational experience. Subject and middle leaders contribute significantly to improving pupil achievement in their respective areas, while the governing body holds leaders accountable for the school’s performance.
The school has made commendable progress in addressing areas for improvement, particularly in developing pupils’ reasoning and thinking skills in mathematics. Inspectors noted that while the school has made strides in this area, there is still work to be done to further enhance pupils’ mathematical reasoning.
The inspection team gathered extensive evidence to assess the quality of teaching, including classroom observations, discussions with pupils about their work, and evaluations of pupils’ progress. The inspectors also engaged with parents and staff, gathering feedback to inform their assessment of the school’s performance.
Ashbury Meadow Primary School is similar in size to most primary schools, with a higher-than-average proportion of boys in many year groups. The school has seen a significant increase in enrollment since the last inspection and is gradually moving towards having two classes for each year group. The majority of pupils come from minority ethnic backgrounds, with a substantial number speaking English as an additional language. The school has successfully supported pupils who join at various times throughout the year, ensuring they settle in well and make excellent progress.
The school’s commitment to providing a rich and vibrant curriculum is evident, as it captures pupils’ interests and broadens their horizons. The effective use of primary school sports funding has led to increased participation in physical activities, with pupils expressing pride in representing their school in competitions.
Overall, Ashbury Meadow Primary School has established itself as an outstanding institution, providing exceptional educational opportunities for its pupils. The school’s leadership, teaching quality, and commitment to pupil achievement create an environment where all students can excel and prepare for their future educational journeys. The school’s ongoing efforts to improve and adapt to the needs of its diverse pupil population further solidify its reputation as a leading primary school in the region.
