Newall Green Primary School, located in Wythenshawe, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023. The school is led by executive headteacher Sarah Rudd and is part of the Cherry Tree Trust, which oversees its operations. The school fosters an inclusive environment where students feel welcomed and valued. Most pupils express enjoyment in attending school, describing it as inspirational. The relationships among pupils and staff are characterized by politeness and respect, contributing to a positive school culture.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most students achieve well across the curriculum, demonstrating a clear understanding of behavioral expectations. They navigate the school calmly and sensibly, recognizing the importance of their actions and the consequences that follow. The school rewards good behavior through initiatives like golden time and 'star of the week,' which pupils appreciate.
Newall Green Primary School offers a rich and ambitious curriculum that provides a variety of experiences to enhance pupils' understanding of the world. Students participate in numerous clubs and activities, including yoga, choir, and basketball. Older pupils take on responsibilities as charity champions, learning to be active citizens and contributing to school decisions, particularly regarding behavior management.
The school has a shared vision among its governors and trustees to ensure that all pupils, including those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs, achieve their best. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, and staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively delivering lessons. Regular assessments help staff identify pupils' understanding and inform future learning.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with additional needs and collaborates with external agencies and families to support these students. Most pupils with special educational needs access the same curriculum as their peers, and those in the specially resourced provision benefit from tailored learning experiences that allow them to integrate into mainstream classrooms.
Early years children are well-prepared for reading through a phonics program that begins in Reception. Staff are trained to deliver this program effectively, ensuring that pupils who struggle receive timely support. Reading is promoted throughout the curriculum, and pupils enjoy their dedicated reading time. However, there is a noted lack of ambition in the range of reading materials available to some pupils, particularly in key stage two, limiting their exposure to diverse texts and language structures.
The school has a structured program for personal development, with pupils taking pride in their roles, such as school council members and prefects. They learn about various faiths and cultures, enriched by the presence of international pupils, which prepares them for life in modern Britain. While most pupils attend regularly, some do not, impacting their learning. The school is working to improve attendance but needs to evaluate the effectiveness of its strategies.
The school actively involves parents in their children's education through initiatives like coffee mornings and support for reading at home. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the resources provided, which positively affect their workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Newall Green Primary School continues to provide a good education, with areas identified for improvement, particularly in expanding reading materials and enhancing attendance strategies.
