Colne Lord Street School, located in Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on January 10 and 11, 2023, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. This school has not been previously inspected under the Education Act 2005.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe within its environment. Feedback from students, parents, and caregivers indicates appreciation for the improvements made by school leaders. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most pupils strive to meet these expectations and achieve well across various subjects. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with respect shown towards peers and adults alike. When behavioral challenges arise, staff implement effective strategies to support students. Pupils report that instances of bullying are addressed promptly by teachers, contributing to a calm and positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, which pupils value greatly. They particularly look forward to trips organized by the school, such as an upcoming visit to France. The opportunity to engage in musical theater has also been well received, with pupils expressing pride in performances, such as the school choir singing for local care home residents.
The curriculum at Colne Lord Street School is well-structured and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Leaders have introduced subjects like Mandarin to better prepare students for secondary education. In most subjects, learning is logically sequenced from the early years through to Year 6, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum is still being finalized, leading to occasional uncertainty among staff regarding what content should be taught and when.
Assessment strategies are effectively utilized by teachers to ensure pupils retain prior knowledge. Regular quizzes and questioning help reinforce learning, and teachers revisit earlier concepts as necessary. The school prioritizes reading instruction, with staff trained to deliver phonics programs effectively. Children begin phonics in the Reception Year and receive additional support if needed, ensuring they do not fall behind. By Year 3, most pupils can read fluently and confidently.
Behavior management is another strength of the school, with staff effectively supporting pupils who struggle with self-regulation. Recent improvements have been made in supporting pupils with special educational needs, with systems in place to identify their needs promptly. Staff receive appropriate training to adapt the curriculum for these students.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school, such as eco-leaders and school councillors, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride. The governing body is well-informed about the quality of education and holds leaders accountable while providing necessary support. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities available to them and feel that their workload and well-being are considered.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving regular training to recognize and report concerns. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families. Pupils learn about safety, including online safety, and understand the importance of healthy relationships.
To further improve, the school should finalize curriculum planning in the few remaining subjects to ensure all teachers have clarity on the knowledge to be delivered and the timing of instruction. This will enhance the depth of knowledge pupils gain in their learning journey.
