Great Sankey Primary School, located in Warrington, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 15 and 16, 2021. The school has created an environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. Students expressed their satisfaction with the school, highlighting that teachers make learning enjoyable. They demonstrate good behavior, listen attentively to adults, and show kindness to one another. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that incidents are reported and dealt with promptly.
The personal development curriculum offers a variety of opportunities for pupils, including extracurricular activities such as sports clubs, gardening, and debating. Pupils take their roles as school councillors and reading buddies seriously, contributing to their growth as well-rounded individuals. The school fosters a culture of respect and support among students, encouraging them to appreciate diversity.
Teachers at Great Sankey Primary School maintain high expectations for their pupils, which positively impacts their progress through the curriculum. However, in a few subjects, there is room for improvement in providing deeper exploration of ideas. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who speak English as an additional language, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to succeed.
Leaders have thoughtfully designed a curriculum that aligns with the school's aims of growth, mindfulness, and community. The curriculum addresses academic, social, and emotional development, and adaptations made during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for continued learning. Despite these efforts, some pupils still exhibit gaps in knowledge, which the school is actively addressing through targeted tuition and revisiting prior learning in lessons.
The curriculum is ambitious, clearly outlining what pupils should know and remember by the end of each year. In most subjects, including mathematics and English, pupils demonstrate strong progression. However, in a small number of subjects, the activities chosen by teachers do not facilitate in-depth learning as intended. Staff are equally ambitious for pupils with SEND and those learning English as an additional language, ensuring they follow the same curriculum as their peers.
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and have been provided with opportunities to enhance their understanding of effective curriculum delivery. They carefully consider the sequence of instruction to help pupils build knowledge over time. The school promotes a love of reading, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for their favorite books and authors. Phonics sessions are well-planned, and staff support pupils in developing their reading skills from the start of the Reception Year.
The early years curriculum is also well-structured, with teachers creatively developing children's language and number skills using high-quality resources. Pupils engage in a variety of activities that deepen their understanding of local and global cultures. The school prioritizes pupil well-being, implementing techniques to help them remain calm and reflective during challenging times.
The school maintains high expectations for behavior, resulting in a calm learning environment. Staff are well-supported by leaders, governors, and trustees, who prioritize their workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded in the school. Staff are trained to recognize and address any concerns promptly, ensuring pupils feel secure.
In summary, Great Sankey Primary School continues to be a good school, with a strong commitment to pupil development, effective teaching practices, and a supportive environment. The school is aware of areas for improvement and is actively working to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
