Cringle Brook Primary School, located in Levenshulme, continues to be recognized as an outstanding institution following its recent inspection on January 24 and 25, 2024. Under the leadership of Helen Chase, the school is part of the Kingsway Community Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The trust is led by CEO Lisa Vyas and overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Atiyah Malik.
Students at Cringle Brook Primary School express immense pride and happiness in their school community, thriving in an environment that emphasizes care and support. From their first day in Reception, children are taught the values of politeness and kindness, resulting in exemplary behavior throughout the school. The school’s motto, dream it, achieve it, inspires pupils to strive for their goals, fostering a culture of high expectations that students readily meet. This commitment to excellence is evident in the strong academic performance of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who achieve well across various subjects.
Pupils are enthusiastic about the recognition they receive for their positive attitudes towards school life, eagerly participating in awards such as star of the week and friend of the week. They also take on various leadership roles, including house captains and members of the eco-committee, which allows them to contribute meaningfully to both the school and the local community. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities, including visits to museums, theatres, and art galleries, as well as clubs for journaling, yoga, and sports, which help students develop their interests and talents.
The curriculum at Cringle Brook is designed to provide a high-quality education, with a focus on deepening pupils' knowledge and understanding over time. The school serves a diverse community, with many children speaking English as an additional language. Staff are dedicated to supporting these students in developing strong communication skills, ensuring they learn effectively. The school also identifies and addresses the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing timely support to help them progress alongside their peers.
Staff development is a priority, with training that enhances teachers' abilities to assess pupil understanding and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. Reading is central to the curriculum, with pupils exposed to a variety of high-quality texts that cultivate a love for reading. The school has made significant improvements in its phonics instruction, addressing previous challenges and ensuring that pupils receive the support they need to become fluent readers.
The school has proactively addressed attendance issues that arose during the pandemic, implementing effective strategies to support pupils and their families. As a result, attendance rates are on the rise. Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, engaging in discussions about current issues with empathy and understanding, and demonstrating respect for diversity.
Trustees and governors play an active role in ensuring the school maintains its high standards, and staff appreciate the support they receive, which helps manage their workload. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the first ungraded evaluation since the school was last deemed outstanding in February 2017, confirming its continued excellence in education.