Abbey Hulton Primary School, located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. The headteacher, Lesley Brookes, leads the school, which is part of the Orchard Community Trust. This trust is overseen by Rob Johnstone, the senior executive officer, and a board of trustees chaired by Gill Howell. The school has a strong commitment to providing a nurturing environment where high aspirations for all pupils are evident. Staff members value each pupil and encourage them to excel, fostering a positive atmosphere that contributes to students feeling happy and engaged in their learning.
Pupils at Abbey Hulton Primary School come from diverse starting points, and the school provides expert individual attention, particularly in the Nursery, ensuring that all children have a solid foundation as they begin their educational journey. As students progress through the school, they receive additional support tailored to their needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This targeted assistance enables all pupils to achieve well academically.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a culture of politeness and friendliness prevailing throughout the school. Disagreements among students are addressed swiftly by staff, and while a small number of pupils may struggle with emotional regulation, they receive effective support from specialized staff. Overall, pupils express that they feel safe within the school environment.
The school offers a wide range of experiences that enrich pupils' understanding of the world. Many students participate in educational visits and extracurricular clubs, contributing positively to the school community through initiatives like the school council and local charity work. The curriculum at Abbey Hulton Primary School is ambitious and comprehensive, covering all subjects outlined in the national curriculum. It is carefully organized and sequenced, with clear expectations for the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should acquire at each stage of their education.
Early reading instruction is a particular strength of the school, with regular phonics teaching delivered by well-trained staff. This approach ensures that pupils, including those who struggle, receive high-quality interventions that build their confidence and fluency in reading. Beyond phonics, students have access to a diverse selection of engaging books, and initiatives like the 'reading miles' scheme promote a culture of reading across the school.
Mathematics is another area where pupils show enthusiasm, and staff demonstrate confidence in teaching the subject. However, some older pupils face challenges in applying their mathematical knowledge in reasoning tasks and unfamiliar contexts, despite having a solid understanding of multiplication tables. Teachers assess pupils' learning at the end of each topic, but there is room for improvement in ensuring that foundational knowledge is secured before introducing new concepts.
Pupils with special educational needs achieve well due to early identification of their needs and effective support from trained staff. The school maintains high standards of behavior, with consistent routines established from the early years, fostering concentration and positive attitudes among pupils. The relationships within the school are respectful, and the ambition for all pupils is evident.
The school also prioritizes the broader development of its pupils, offering programs that raise aspirations and promote health and safety. Opportunities for pupils to explore the wider world and develop their interests are abundant, including participation in choir, volunteering, and visits to various cultural institutions. The school's commitment to enhancing pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is of high quality.
Leadership and management at Abbey Hulton Primary School are effective, with leaders supporting staff and managing workloads thoughtfully. Staff members take pride in their work, and the governing body, trustees, and executive leaders are well-informed about the school's operations. They challenge the school constructively and utilize management information to drive improvement and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The school enjoys positive relationships with parents and carers, who generally recommend it to others.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects and providing older pupils with more opportunities to apply their mathematical reasoning skills. Additionally, teachers should focus on confirming that pupils have grasped essential knowledge before progressing to new material. Overall, Abbey Hulton Primary School continues to provide a good education for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
