Croft Primary School, located in Warrington, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils express happiness in attending. They enjoy learning and feel supported in their development as future citizens. The leadership at Croft Primary School sets high expectations for academic success, which pupils meet effectively, resulting in commendable achievements. The school offers a diverse range of opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests, including music, competitive sports, and creative projects like designing a garden for the Tatton Park Flower Show.
The school promotes good behavior among pupils, who take pride in representing their school positively. Instances of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively, contributing to a safe atmosphere for all students. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, starting from the early years, including provisions for two-year-olds. Leaders have clearly defined what pupils should learn and when, and teachers are well-trained, utilizing their strong subject knowledge to facilitate clear learning experiences. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum is still being refined, with some content being overly extensive, which can create uncertainty for teachers regarding key knowledge priorities.
Teachers actively check pupils' retention of knowledge and provide regular opportunities for recalling prior learning, ensuring that students have a solid foundation before progressing to new concepts. The early reading and phonics program is implemented effectively, with younger children engaging in songs, rhymes, and stories that enhance their understanding of sounds and letters. By the end of Year 2, pupils demonstrate confidence and fluency in reading, with additional support provided for those who struggle.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, identifying them early and collaborating with parents and external agencies to provide targeted support. Teachers adapt their curriculum delivery to ensure these pupils can achieve well. The behavior of pupils is consistently calm, courteous, and respectful, with no low-level disruptions in lessons, allowing for an uninterrupted learning environment.
Croft Primary School offers a variety of extracurricular activities that foster pupils' talents in sports and the arts, while also promoting their social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development. The school organizes numerous trips and initiatives to prepare pupils for future life, including visits from professionals in various fields to discuss their careers.
The leadership team is supported by the trust, and the local governing body is well-informed about the school. Leaders prioritize the well-being and work-life balance of staff, who express appreciation for this support. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify at-risk pupils and a culture of vigilance in reporting concerns. Pupils are educated on personal and online safety.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to refine its curriculum in a small number of subjects where content is excessive, ensuring that key knowledge is prioritized for better retention and future learning. Overall, Croft Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering both academic success and personal development in a supportive environment.
