Park View Community Primary School, located in Miles Platting, Manchester, underwent an inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a significant decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as requiring improvement, while behavior and attitudes were rated as good.
Pupils at Park View are generally happy and well-behaved, forming strong relationships with both staff and peers. They engage in various charitable and community events, demonstrating responsibility and active citizenship. The school has implemented a well-designed curriculum for most subjects, but the delivery of this curriculum is inconsistent among staff. Consequently, pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, do not achieve as well as they should in certain subjects.
The school has experienced considerable staffing changes, which have impacted the quality of education. However, efforts by governors and the local authority are beginning to stabilize the situation, leading to improvements in various aspects of the school's operations. The curriculum has been redesigned with support from a local multi-academy trust, providing a clear pathway for knowledge development from early years through Year 6. Despite these changes, some staff are still in the early stages of adapting to the new curriculum, resulting in variable success in its implementation.
Assessment strategies are not consistently applied, hindering teachers' ability to identify and address pupils' misconceptions and gaps in learning. This inconsistency contributes to widening gaps in pupils' knowledge. While pupils enjoy reading and are familiar with a range of authors, the school must ensure that all staff are equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively and address learning gaps promptly.
Pupils with special educational needs learn alongside their peers, with teachers modifying materials to support their access to the curriculum. However, these pupils experience the same weaknesses in the curriculum as their classmates, leading to underachievement. The school has made strides in improving behavior and attendance, with pupils generally following instructions and engaging in discussions about their learning.
Opportunities for personal development are present, with extracurricular activities available, but there is a need for more focus on cultural and religious diversity. This lack of exposure may leave some pupils unprepared for life in modern Britain. Staff morale remains high despite the challenges faced, and the school is mindful of the impact of curriculum changes on staff workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for the school to strengthen its approaches to assessment and to provide more opportunities for pupils to learn about cultural and religious diversity. By addressing these areas, the school can better prepare its pupils for their future lives and improve overall educational outcomes. The school community is encouraged to engage with Ofsted Parent View to share their opinions and contribute to the ongoing development of the school.
