Moorside Primary School, located in Droylsden, Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The principal, Sam Ismail, leads the school, which is part of The Enquire Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Darren Holmes and chaired by Delyse Turrell.
Pupils at Moorside Primary School report feeling safe and happy, receiving a warm welcome from staff each day. They are encouraged to communicate any worries, fostering a caring and supportive environment. The school promotes a positive learning atmosphere where pupils exhibit good behaviour, politeness, and respect for diversity. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and students demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning, showing perseverance and independence even when faced with challenges.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as the '105 Moorside Memories' program, which includes engaging experiences like watching chicks hatch and taking tram journeys. Pupils also take on various responsibilities, serving as reading champions, school councillors, anti-bullying ambassadors, and eco-warriors, which enhances their sense of belonging and leadership.
Recent improvements to the curriculum have made it more ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively from early years through to Year 6. The school has implemented a training program to support teachers in delivering the curriculum effectively, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the content. However, some older pupils still experience gaps in their learning due to previous curriculum weaknesses and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has affected their performance in national assessments, particularly in mathematics, where results were below the national average.
While most pupils progress well through the curriculum, lingering gaps in knowledge can hinder their ability to build on prior learning. The school has introduced a new assessment approach, allowing teachers to identify and address misconceptions effectively in most subjects. However, there are still areas where assessment information is not utilized to its full potential, impacting pupils' long-term retention of key knowledge.
Reading is a priority at Moorside Primary, with early years children enjoying books and stories, preparing them well for phonics instruction. The phonics program is delivered effectively, with books matched to the sounds pupils have learned. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting the additional needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they learn alongside their peers.
Pupils generally follow established routines and are attentive during lessons, contributing to a focused learning environment. The school emphasizes attendance and works closely with families to address any issues, aiming to reduce absence rates. The personal development program is integrated into the curriculum, helping pupils become respectful and caring individuals, with lessons on first aid and mental health support.
Trustees are well-informed about the school's operations and ensure that its work positively impacts pupils' learning and development. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the support they receive, appreciating the school's consideration of their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the use of assessment information in certain subjects to address gaps in pupils' knowledge and ensure that all students can progress effectively through the curriculum.
