St Peter's Church of England Primary School in Hindley has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 28 and 29, 2024. The headteacher, Nicola Green, leads the school, which is part of the Quest Church of England Schools Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Marc Doyle and a board of trustees chaired by Crispin Pailing. The school is characterized by a warm and caring environment, where pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate excellent behavior. They actively welcome newcomers and take pride in fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. Respect for others is a core value, and pupils are diligent in ensuring that the school remains a safe and happy place for everyone.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to strive for their best. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the pupils' achievements. Parents and carers express pride in the school's support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, appreciating the school's proactive approach in securing necessary support and ensuring inclusivity in extracurricular activities.
The curriculum at St Peter's is ambitious and has undergone recent enhancements to improve its design. The school has carefully planned what pupils will learn and when, starting from the Reception Year, which effectively prepares children for subsequent years. Pupils are given opportunities to revisit previous learning, which aids in deepening their understanding. Staff possess strong subject knowledge, allowing them to break down learning into manageable steps.
However, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge due to limitations in the previous curriculum, which can hinder their ability to retain information and connect new learning with prior knowledge. The school is working on developing assessment strategies to better identify these gaps and ensure that new learning builds on what pupils already know.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs, fostering their confidence and independence as they progress through the curriculum. Regular checks are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the support provided, ensuring that all pupils can learn successfully. In the Reception Year, children receive strong support in learning to read, with staff quickly assessing their prior knowledge to tailor their learning experiences. The phonics instruction is delivered by knowledgeable staff, enabling pupils to become confident and fluent readers.
Pupils at St Peter's exhibit commendable behavior, with classrooms being calm and orderly. Low-level disruptions are rare, and younger pupils look up to older students as role models. The school encourages reflection on choices and the impact of actions on others. Pupils take on various responsibilities, such as play leaders, and actively participate in local charitable projects, enhancing their understanding of community involvement.
The school prioritizes attendance and provides support to ensure that pupils attend regularly. Communication with parents regarding attendance is a key aspect of this effort. Staff feel valued and supported in their professional development, which contributes to a positive working environment.
The trust has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing appropriate support and challenge to ensure that actions taken have a meaningful impact on the education provided. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, St Peter's Church of England Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education in a nurturing environment.
