Blacko Primary School, located in Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 29, 2022. The school is committed to fostering a respectful, collaborative, and ambitious environment for its pupils. Leaders, staff, and students work together to create a supportive community where pupils are encouraged to take on active roles both within the school and the wider community. Opportunities such as residential trips for older pupils, where they engage in activities like canoeing and climbing, enhance their educational experience. The school promotes leadership among students, with sports leaders organizing playtime equipment and buddies assisting younger children, contributing to the development of caring and thoughtful citizens.
The school is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their potential. Pupils are well-prepared for their next educational stages, demonstrating successful learning across various subjects. The school environment is welcoming, with pupils excited to attend each day. Relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by warmth and friendliness, fostering a positive atmosphere where pupils play well together during breaks and exhibit good behavior in class.
Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing they can approach teachers with any concerns. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and engaging, making effective use of the local area for subjects like geography and history. Leaders have identified essential knowledge for pupils to master before progressing, ensuring that the curriculum is organized to allow for revisiting and building upon learning as pupils advance through the school.
Teachers actively assess pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge, providing support where needed. While improvements have been made in monitoring learning in subjects beyond mathematics and English, some areas are still in the early stages of implementation, leading to gaps in teachers' understanding of pupil progress. The school has experienced significant staffing changes recently, with many new teachers who are receiving support to enhance their curriculum knowledge. However, some staff still require a deeper understanding of how learning builds year on year.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with pupils encouraged to enjoy reading and understand its importance. The school library is well-stocked and inviting, and pupil reading ambassadors play a role in selecting new books. Phonics instruction begins early, with staff trained to provide effective support for pupils needing additional help. The school has also strengthened systems to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils engage in various after-school clubs, learning important social skills and gaining exposure to the wider world through activities such as visits to places of worship. The trust overseeing the school provides valuable support and opportunities for staff collaboration, contributing to ongoing improvements. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. The school promotes awareness of safety issues, including the dangers of drugs and online safety.
Overall, while Blacko Primary School continues to perform well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all staff have a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum and its implementation. The school remains committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for all pupils.
