Bridgewater Park Primary School, located in Runcorn, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on May 10 and 11, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good standards in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
The inspection revealed that pupils feel welcomed and safe at Bridgewater Park Primary School. They appreciate the caring nature of the staff, who are always ready to assist with any concerns. The school promotes respect among pupils, regardless of their differences, and effectively addresses any instances of bullying. Despite these positive aspects, the report highlighted that pupils, including those in the early years, are not achieving as well as they should. This is attributed to a lack of an ambitious curriculum that builds knowledge over time. Although recent improvements have been made to the curriculum, many changes are still in the early stages of implementation, meaning that pupils have yet to fully benefit from these enhancements.
Leaders at the school have high expectations for pupil behavior, and both pupils and staff have noted a positive impact from new behavior policies. The school environment is described as calm and purposeful, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils enjoy various after-school activities and educational visits, which enrich their school experience.
The report indicates that the school is on a journey of improvement, with a new leadership team working closely with the trust and governors to develop a more ambitious curriculum. However, much of this work is still in its infancy, leading to gaps in pupils' learning. In the early years, the curriculum lacks clarity, resulting in activities that sometimes lack purpose. Staff have not received adequate guidance on how to effectively develop children's knowledge and vocabulary across the curriculum, which affects their learning outcomes.
While pupils generally enjoy their lessons and can focus on their learning, teachers have not received sufficient training to effectively deliver the more ambitious curriculum. This limitation hinders the ability of teachers to design learning experiences that build knowledge over time. Nevertheless, the school places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils developing a love for literature through exposure to high-quality texts. The reading curriculum is structured carefully, and staff are trained to implement it effectively.
The needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified early, but there is a lack of understanding among teachers regarding how to support these pupils in accessing the curriculum. This results in inconsistent adaptations to teaching methods.
Leaders ensure that all pupils have opportunities for wider development, emphasizing the importance of fitness and healthy eating. However, attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils not attending school regularly, which negatively impacts their learning.
The trust and governing body are committed to supporting the school's improvement journey, and staff morale is reported to be high. Leaders are aware of the key issues that need to be addressed to move the school forward. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to keep pupils safe and respond promptly to any concerns.
In summary, while Bridgewater Park Primary School has several strengths, particularly in pupil well-being and behavior, it faces significant challenges in curriculum implementation and pupil achievement. The leadership team is actively working to address these issues, but further training and support for staff, as well as strategies to improve attendance, are essential for the school to reach its full potential.
