Medlock Valley Primary School, located in Oldham, Greater Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection on February 13 and 14, 2024, and has been rated as good in all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is led by Joanne Backhouse and is part of the Kingfisher Learning Trust, which provides additional oversight and support through its CEO Anne Redmond and chair of trustees Helen Crabtree.
The school environment is described as positive, with pupils demonstrating happiness and a strong sense of community. The school’s values promote respectful interactions among pupils and staff, fostering an atmosphere of high expectations. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, typically achieve well. The school effectively supports pupils who are at the early stages of learning English and those in the early years of language development, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to enhance their vocabulary and spoken English.
Classroom behaviour is commendable, with minimal disruption reported during lessons. Pupils are engaged and attentive, confident in the support they receive from staff. The school offers a variety of enrichment activities, such as sewing, swimming, and art clubs, tailored to meet the interests of all pupils, including those with special educational needs. This approach helps to nurture talents beyond the academic curriculum.
The curriculum at Medlock Valley is broad, balanced, and ambitious, with careful planning regarding the key knowledge and skills to be taught. Staff are well-trained and equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively, which contributes to pupils enjoying their lessons and striving for success. However, some subject curriculums are relatively new, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge as they have not yet had sufficient time to benefit from these changes.
Early reading is a priority for the school, with staff trained to deliver a phonics programme effectively. From the start of Reception, children learn sounds in a logical sequence, and reading materials are well-matched to their learning. While most pupils become fluent readers, a minority do not read as regularly as they should, which affects their progress. The school recognizes this and aims to provide more opportunities for these pupils to practice reading.
The school promotes reading for enjoyment, with younger pupils engaging with stories that enhance their communication skills, while older pupils express enthusiasm for their favorite books and authors. The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with additional needs, collaborating with parents and external agencies to ensure appropriate support is provided.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating friendliness and good manners. Attendance is generally high, and the school implements effective strategies to address any concerns regarding absence. The school also offers various experiences to support personal development, including fundraising for local charities and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its pupils.
Governance is strong, with governors supporting school leaders while holding them accountable for educational quality. Staff express satisfaction with how leaders manage workload and appreciate the collaborative opportunities available within the trust. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Medlock Valley Primary School is a well-managed institution that provides a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring all pupils read regularly and benefit from the new curriculums, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable.
