Manchester Communication Primary Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school provides a welcoming and safe environment where pupils feel cared for and valued. From Nursery to Year 6, students express enthusiasm for attending school, knowing that staff prioritize their well-being. Parents and carers appreciate the strong sense of community and the support their children receive, highlighting the school's commitment to fostering a family-like atmosphere.
Pupils are aware of the high expectations set by school leaders regarding behavior and academic achievement. They strive to meet these expectations by embodying the school's community values, understanding the importance of learning from mistakes. The school promotes a culture of recognition, where students take pride in being acknowledged for their good behavior and positive attitudes toward learning. Overall, pupils generally achieve well and treat one another with respect and kindness. They feel confident that staff will address any concerns, with effective measures in place to tackle bullying and discrimination.
The school encourages pupils to take on various responsibilities, such as being community champions or eco-warriors, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to school life. Leaders have developed a rich and ambitious curriculum that is engaging and accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is committed to ensuring that disadvantage does not hinder pupils' achievements.
While the curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, a minority of subject leaders are still refining their curriculum plans. This can lead to some teachers being unclear about the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire, potentially resulting in gaps in understanding. However, leaders have a strong grasp of pupils' needs and have established effective systems for identifying those requiring additional support, particularly in the early years.
From the outset, children in the Nursery class develop foundational skills in phonics, which are built upon in Reception and Key Stage 1. Daily phonics lessons are structured to enhance pupils' reading abilities, ensuring that they read books that align with their phonics knowledge. This approach has proven effective, with most pupils reading accurately and fluently by the end of Key Stage 1. In Key Stage 2, the emphasis on reading continues, with older pupils receiving support to address any gaps in their reading skills.
Leaders and staff actively promote strong learning behaviors, with children quickly adapting to routines and following instructions. As pupils progress through the school, they maintain positive conduct, allowing for an uninterrupted learning environment. The school has also taken into account the life experiences that pupils may have missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating opportunities throughout the curriculum to help them recover lost time.
Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of equality and diversity, discussing its significance in their interactions with others. They feel included and prepared to engage with modern society. The school's trustees and governors are well-informed about the institution and provide valuable support to enhance its operations. Staff express appreciation for the leaders' understanding of their challenges and the measures taken to support their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are well-trained and vigilant in identifying potential risks to pupils. They work closely with external agencies when additional support is needed, demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of all students. Pupils are educated on maintaining their physical and mental health and staying safe online.
In summary, Manchester Communication Primary Academy continues to be a good school, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, a well-structured curriculum, and effective safeguarding measures. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring clarity in curriculum delivery across all subjects, the school is dedicated to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils.
