Castercliff Primary School, located in Nelson, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 7 and 8, 2023. The school embodies a friendly and welcoming environment, encapsulated by its motto shine, which encourages every pupil to strive for their best. Students describe the school as a large family, highlighting the warm relationships that form the foundation of the school community. Pupils feel safe and valued, with staff demonstrating genuine care for their well-being. The school offers a robust range of pastoral support, ensuring that students know there is always someone available to assist them with any concerns.
The leadership team and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They are committed to fostering an environment where every student can achieve academically and behave appropriately. This commitment has resulted in pupils being eager learners who find their lessons engaging and enjoyable. The behavior of students is commendable, with older pupils often assisting younger ones. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly and effectively.
The school actively celebrates its diverse community and strives to provide enriching experiences for all pupils. This includes opportunities for outdoor exploration, environmental projects, and visits to cultural venues. The curriculum has been thoughtfully adapted to accommodate the increasing number of pupils, particularly those who speak English as an additional language. Leaders have designed a comprehensive curriculum that spans from early years to the end of key stage two, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become confident learners.
While the curriculum is effective in most subjects, there are a few areas that still require finalization. In these subjects, the clarity regarding essential knowledge and the sequence of teaching is not fully established, which can occasionally hinder learning outcomes for some pupils. Nevertheless, the majority of students achieve well, thanks to the clear explanations and knowledgeable teaching staff who help pupils connect new concepts with prior learning.
Reading is a significant focus at Castercliff Primary School, with a rich selection of books available in classrooms and the school library. Pupils express their enjoyment of reading and appreciate the stories shared by their teachers. The early years program effectively introduces children to letters and sounds, fostering confidence in reading by the end of key stage one. Support is also provided for pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that they can catch up with their peers.
The school has made commendable adjustments to support the growing number of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically and socially. Overall, pupils exhibit polite and courteous behavior, and attendance has improved since the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there remains a need to address the attendance of some pupils to ensure they benefit fully from the educational opportunities available.
Leaders prioritize the personal development of pupils, offering a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance their school experience. Staff members are dedicated and feel supported by the leadership team, which is attentive to their workload and well-being. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety permeating the school environment. Leaders ensure that all policies are implemented and that staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. Overall, Castercliff Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and excellence.
