Swinnow Primary School provides a ‘good’ education for its pupils – but there are areas where it could improve, Ofsted inspectors have said.
The school, which had been rated as ‘outstanding’ since 2007, has been rated as ‘good’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitude of its pupils, personal development and leadership.
There is also praise for its curriculum and safeguarding.
The ‘harmonious atmosphere across school’, pupils’ behaviour and the school’s planning and teaching of phonics, reading, writing and mathematics are also singled out for praise.
But its early years provision has been highlighted as requiring improvement by inspectors during their visit last month. The report adds:
“The nurturing provision in early years supports children’s personal development well. Staff provide sensitive guidance to children. This helps children behave well.
“Staff successfully support children’s social and emotional needs. Consequently, children feel safe and settle well into school.
“However, the planning of the early years curriculum is not as well sequenced as in other parts of the school. Consequently, children’s achievement in reading, writing and mathematics has not been high enough.
“Not enough children have been well prepared in these subjects to start Year 1. Leaders are taking relevant action to address this. They have visited schools to identify effective practice. Staff are now developing curriculum planning and new staffing arrangements are in place.”
The full Ofsted report of the Swinnow Road school can be read here.