St Maxentius CofE Primary School, located in Bolton, Lancashire, was inspected on January 18 and 19, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings across various aspects including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in September 2018.
The school provides a warm and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of community among pupils, parents, and staff. Pupils feel secure and valued, which contributes to their positive experiences at school. They form strong relationships with staff and peers, and there is a strong emphasis on kindness and respect. The school promotes high expectations for behaviour and learning, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating enthusiasm and hard work in their lessons. They are actively engaged in their education and participate in various extracurricular activities, which cater to a wide range of interests.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully identified the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge. Subject leaders provide effective support to teachers, and there is a strong focus on vocabulary development across subjects. Most teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and use effective assessment strategies to monitor pupil understanding, leading to good progress in many areas of the curriculum.
However, there are some areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum content and the sequence of learning are not as clearly defined, which can hinder pupils' understanding of key concepts. Additionally, some teachers require further training to adapt their teaching methods to better support pupils with special educational needs, as this can lead to over-reliance on adult assistance.
The early years provision is well-structured, providing children with a strong foundation for their education. Staff enthusiasm and encouragement help children engage with their learning, resulting in positive outcomes. The school prioritizes reading, with a structured phonics program in place that ensures all pupils develop strong reading skills by the end of Year 2. Older pupils express enthusiasm for the high-quality literature included in the curriculum, demonstrating a love for reading.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and respond to potential risks. The school promotes online safety and teaches pupils about healthy relationships. The local governing body is actively involved in the school, although there are areas where they need to strengthen their oversight and accountability.
Overall, St Maxentius CofE Primary School is a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The school has made significant progress since its conversion to an academy, and while there are areas for development, the foundation is strong for continued improvement and success. The commitment of staff, leaders, and governors to the well-being and education of pupils is evident, and the school is well-regarded by parents and the community.
