Anchorsholme Primary Academy, located in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from November 5 to 6, 2019. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They find their work engaging, and teachers maintain high expectations for their students. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs and activities, which pupils enjoy, along with educational trips that enhance their learning experiences. For instance, visits to the beach help students understand environmental changes over time, reinforcing their classroom learning.
Pupils at Anchorsholme Primary Academy are curious and eager to learn, often asking questions and seeking answers through experiments and research. The staff demonstrate a strong commitment to the well-being of the students, treating them with kindness and respect. In return, pupils exhibit good manners and behave sensibly throughout the school. They collaborate effectively in lessons, working well in pairs and small groups, and most students listen attentively to their teachers.
The school has a robust approach to handling bullying, with pupils reporting that such incidents are rare. They express confidence that teachers would address any issues swiftly. Additionally, school leaders ensure that students are educated about safety, particularly regarding internet use and social media.
Anchorsholme Primary Academy has a well-structured curriculum that prepares pupils for their next educational stages. School leaders are aware of the learning needs of their students and the sequence in which subjects should be taught. Most teachers possess strong subject knowledge, although there are some gaps in science understanding among a few staff members.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with a recent initiative aimed at improving reading instruction. This has proven effective, as pupils are becoming more fluent and confident readers. In the Reception class, children learn about letters and their corresponding sounds, quickly progressing to reading simple books. Teachers are vigilant in identifying students who struggle with new sounds and provide additional support to help them catch up. In Key Stage 2, pupils continue to read daily, with access to a diverse selection of books, including works by well-known authors. Older students report an expanded vocabulary and a deeper understanding of the texts they read.
Mathematics instruction is ambitious, with early years teachers encouraging children to use mathematical language and concepts in their interactions. By Year 6, most pupils are adept at solving complex problems using various calculations. However, writing skills are not as strong as those in reading and mathematics. While reading has been prioritized, school leaders recognize the need to enhance the writing curriculum to ensure that pupils achieve similar success in writing.
The school effectively supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as evidenced by positive outcomes in national tests at the end of Key Stage 2. The students' positive attitudes towards learning and their sensible behavior contribute significantly to their success.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop knowledge across a broad range of subjects. In history, younger students learn to sequence events from their own lives, while older pupils explore significant historical events and understand how we learn about the past through artifacts and records. In art, students study techniques used by renowned artists and apply these methods in their own creations. Additionally, pupils learn computer programming, equipping them with skills necessary for modern life.
The school offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including art, music, drama, sports, and photography, which enrich the students' educational experience. Staff members collaborate effectively, with senior leaders considering their workload and well-being, leading to a more manageable assessment process.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of neglect, abuse, or radicalization. Leaders ensure that all new staff are suitable to work with children and that the school environment is secure. The school collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing writing skills and addressing the identified gaps in science subject knowledge among some teachers. By continuing to develop these areas, Anchorsholme Primary Academy can maintain its good standing and further support its pupils' educational journeys.
