Higher Failsworth Primary School, located in Oldham, Greater Manchester, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on July 10 and 11, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in February 2023. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and safety within the school environment, describing it as kind, welcoming, and caring. They feel valued and supported by their teachers, which contributes to their happiness and well-being. The behaviour of pupils is commendable, characterized by kindness, consideration, and respect towards one another and staff. The school is attentive to the individual needs of its pupils, providing effective support for those who may struggle with emotional management.
The school has set ambitious expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Recent improvements to the curriculum have fostered a culture of high achievement, and pupils are generally diligent in their studies, achieving well. The school offers a diverse range of experiences that enrich learning, including local and wider field trips, as well as opportunities for participation in sports and cultural events.
Despite the positive feedback, the report highlights areas for improvement. While the curriculum has been enhanced, recent data indicates that pupils' attainment in some subjects remains below national averages. However, current pupils are benefiting from the strengthened curriculum, and most are achieving well. The school has identified essential knowledge for pupils to learn, and most staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge. Clear explanations and checks on pupils' understanding are common practice.
In a few subjects, some staff have not yet selected learning activities that effectively support pupils in grasping new content, which can hinder learning. The school is working to ensure that all staff are equipped to design learning experiences that facilitate knowledge acquisition across the curriculum. Additionally, the monitoring processes for assessing the impact of the curriculum are still in early stages in some subjects, limiting the school's understanding of pupil progress.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. Staff are well-trained and collaborate with external agencies to meet these pupils' needs. The approach to reading is structured and effective, with timely interventions for those who struggle, leading to most pupils becoming confident readers.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and the school's behaviour system is well understood. Efforts to improve attendance, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, have shown promise, with targeted support leading to increased attendance rates. The school emphasizes personal development, fostering respect for diversity and an understanding of British values. Pupils engage in various roles that enhance their sense of responsibility and pride in their contributions to the school community.
The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting and challenging the school to ensure a positive educational impact. Staff report high levels of support regarding their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Higher Failsworth Primary School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a nurturing educational experience for its pupils.
