Little Lever School, located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, underwent an inspection on March 8 and 9, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The inspection highlighted the school's ambitious leadership, which aims for all pupils to achieve beyond their expectations. The school has successfully prepared its students for future educational and vocational opportunities, ensuring they excel in various subjects.
Pupils at Little Lever School report feeling safe and happy, demonstrating good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school environment. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable approaching staff with concerns. The school effectively addresses any instances of bullying, ensuring a quick and effective response.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to develop their skills and interests. Students particularly enjoy participating in sports and performance opportunities, as well as engaging in local debating competitions. The National Citizen Service and Youth Parliament initiatives have also received positive feedback from pupils, indicating a well-rounded approach to personal development.
Parental support for the school is strong, with many expressing appreciation for the dedication of the staff in helping their children succeed. The inspection noted that leaders, trustees, and staff have collaborated effectively to enhance the school's performance since the last inspection. Staff morale is high, and they value the leadership's focus on their well-being and workload management.
The curriculum at Little Lever School is ambitious and has been adjusted to address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders are actively working to increase the number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, including modern foreign languages. In most subjects, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. However, in a few subjects, particularly at key stage three, there is a need for clearer identification of essential knowledge, which has hindered some pupils' progress.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and receive high-quality training, enabling them to effectively assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions. The school has implemented a comprehensive reading strategy, supported by a new library, to assist pupils struggling with reading. However, the plans to foster a love of reading across all subjects have not yet fully materialized.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with their needs identified promptly and effectively addressed by knowledgeable staff. The school has established clear behavior expectations, which are understood and followed by both teachers and pupils. Those requiring additional behavioral support receive appropriate assistance from a dedicated pastoral team.
The personal development curriculum is well-planned, covering essential topics such as the rule of law, democracy, and respect for diverse views. The school also provides a robust careers program, featuring guest speakers to broaden pupils' career aspirations and equip them for informed decision-making about their futures.
Trustees play a vital role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that the school's priorities are clear and statutory duties are met effectively. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff who are equipped to handle concerns promptly.
In summary, Little Lever School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating effective leadership, a supportive environment, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes for all pupils. However, there are areas for further development, particularly in ensuring clarity in the curriculum across all subjects and promoting a love of reading consistently throughout the school.
