Chorley New Road Primary Academy, located in Horwich, Bolton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. Pupils express that the school is a welcoming and happy environment where they feel safe and supported. The positive relationships fostered between staff and students contribute significantly to this atmosphere. Pupils take pride in their roles as well-being ambassadors, showcasing their commitment to supporting one another. The leadership team is ambitious for all students, promoting respectful behavior and high expectations for achievement. This has resulted in pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, performing well across various subjects.
The school emphasizes the importance of equality and understanding the difference between conflicts and bullying. Incidents of bullying are rare and are addressed swiftly by the leadership team. Enrichment opportunities are abundant, with activities that engage both pupils and their families, such as story time and gardening sessions. The curriculum is ambitious and engaging, with a clear focus on essential knowledge that builds progressively from Nursery to Year 6. Leaders ensure that all pupils, including those with additional needs, have access to a high-quality curriculum, supported by robust procedures for identifying and addressing individual needs.
Teachers effectively implement the curriculum, beginning in the early years, where they introduce new concepts and vocabulary clearly. This approach helps pupils retain what they learn and develop a strong foundation for future learning. The school prioritizes reading, with recent improvements to the phonics program aiding most pupils in becoming proficient readers. However, some pupils have not had sufficient practice with reading materials that align with their phonetic knowledge, which affects their fluency and overall achievement.
The school promotes positive learning attitudes through established routines that help maintain a calm and orderly environment. Leaders are dedicated to enhancing pupils' personal development by providing cultural experiences that reflect the local community's diversity. Pupils engage in visits to places of worship and learn about the area's industrial heritage, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their community.
Pupils are encouraged to understand and practice fundamental British values, such as democracy and the rule of law, through participation in class responsibilities and rule-setting. Staff express satisfaction with the support and training provided by leaders, contributing to a positive work environment and a sense of pride in their school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Chorley New Road Primary Academy are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and report any concerns regarding pupil welfare. Leaders take timely action when issues arise and collaborate with external agencies to ensure that pupils and their families receive necessary support. However, there are areas for improvement in the clarity of safeguarding records, which could enhance oversight by governors and trustees.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that all pupils have ample opportunities to practice reading books that match their phonetic knowledge, thereby enhancing their reading fluency. Additionally, leaders need to establish thorough and consistent record-keeping systems for safeguarding to maintain a clear overview of pupil safety. Overall, Chorley New Road Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and excellence in education.
