Gorton Primary School, located in Gorton, Manchester, was inspected on January 17 and 18, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across various categories, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first routine inspection since the school opened, and it was noted that the school has made significant strides in creating a welcoming environment for all pupils. Leaders and staff prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that every pupil feels part of a friendly community. Pupils reported feeling safe and happy, and they appreciate the strong friendships they form with their classmates.
The school has established high expectations for its pupils, who are eager to meet these standards. Established routines contribute to a focused learning environment, minimizing disruptions caused by poor behavior. This positive atmosphere allows pupils to maximize their learning opportunities and achieve commendable results. Leaders have implemented effective systems to address any incidents of bullying, ensuring that such occurrences are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council or serving as class monitors. They also enjoy a variety of clubs that help them explore their interests and talents. The curriculum is ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire in different subjects and have thoughtfully planned when this knowledge should be taught.
Teachers possess the necessary expertise to introduce new concepts effectively, and they receive support from experienced curriculum leaders to enhance their skills. In most subjects, teachers assess pupils' retention of prior knowledge, revisiting earlier content as needed to reinforce learning. However, in a few subjects, there is a lack of consistent checks on pupils' understanding, which can lead to new topics being introduced prematurely for some students. This can hinder their ability to build a solid foundation of knowledge.
The school places a strong emphasis on phonics, with a well-structured program that begins in the Reception Year. Staff are trained to identify pupils who require additional support in phonics, ensuring that these pupils can keep pace with their peers. The school also fosters a love of reading from an early age, with staff regularly reading high-quality books to children, which aids in their language development.
Pupils in the specially resourced provision for those with SEND follow a tailored curriculum that meets their individual needs. Staff prioritize teaching reading and writing while promoting independence. Leaders collaborate effectively with external professionals to support these pupils in achieving their goals. The school has established systems to identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND, and while most teachers adapt their teaching accordingly, there are instances where support may not be delivered as intended.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect for one another and staff. They are knowledgeable about mental health and understand how to stay safe both online and offline. Governors and trustees are committed to the success of all pupils, providing support and challenge to school leaders while considering staff workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Gorton Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and follow clear procedures for reporting concerns. Leaders respond promptly to safeguarding issues and work with external agencies when necessary. Overall, the school has established a positive learning environment that supports the development and well-being of its pupils, although there are areas for improvement in ensuring consistent checks on learning and support for pupils with SEND.
