Baguley Hall Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Baguley Hall is a safe haven for its pupils.

They come to school each day brimming with happiness and full of smiles. They have warm, positive and respectful relationships with staff, who are caring and supportive. Pupils feel safe in the school's welcoming and nurturing environment.

Pupils behave very well. They know that the school has high expectations for their behaviour and achievement. They follow the school rules and aim to treat others as they wish to be treated.

Pupils are thoughtful and considerate. They display positive attitudes for learning.

The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement.

Developments to the curriculum... since the previous inspection have had a positive impact on how well pupils learn. Most pupils achieve well in a wide range of subjects. Effective strategies ensure that those pupils who need additional help to keep up with their learning, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are supported well.

A wide range of enrichment activities are available to all pupils. They take part in extra-curricular clubs and residential trips. Members of the school council speak enthusiastically about the 'edible playground', where the gardening club grows fruit and vegetables that are used in the school kitchen.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Since the last inspection, the school has worked well to improve the content of its curriculum. This has led to an improvement in pupils' achievement.

However, in some subjects the school has not precisely outlined the most important knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn. Additionally, it has not identified clearly enough where there are opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge and skills.

Teachers are ambitious for pupils and use the curriculum guidance well to build learning successfully over time.

They ensure that pupils receive the support they need to learn the key concepts well. In the early years, children benefit from a carefully designed curriculum. Well-thought-out and purposeful learning activities help children to gain the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in Year 1.

The school places reading at the heart of its curriculum. This has a positive impact on pupils' reading skills and fluency. Staff deliver the phonics programme consistently well.

A love of reading begins in the Nursery Year through the wide range of stories, songs and nursery rhymes that staff share with children. This continues into the Reception Year, where children begin to learn about sounds and letters to read words confidently. As pupils continue to develop their reading skills, well-considered strategies are in place to support those who need additional help catch up quickly.

The school prioritises how it meets the needs of pupils with SEND. Pupils' needs are identified accurately and quickly. Learning activities are adapted carefully to ensure that they meet the learning needs of all pupils.

Pupils' attendance at school is a high priority. The school has extremely effective processes in place to challenge any absence and support families. It works closely with parents and carers to find solutions when the attendance for some pupils becomes a concern.

The learning environment around the school is calm and purposeful. In lessons, pupils listen well and engage in learning opportunities with enthusiasm. Pupils are focused and motivated to learn.

Pupils are polite, friendly and eager to talk about school life.

The school places great importance on developing pupils' wider interests. The comprehensive personal, social, health and economic education curriculum supports this work effectively.

It enables pupils to learn how to keep healthy and safe as they grow. A variety of roles and responsibilities are on offer to promote pupils' leadership skills. These include being eco-councillors, 'book worms' and peace ambassadors.

Effective leadership across the whole school has brought about significant changes to the curriculum in a relatively short period of time. Staff are appreciative of the opportunities that the school provides for them to develop their skills and knowledge. They value the team spirit that allows them to celebrate success or to ask for help.

Governors are committed to the school and understand the importance of their role. However, some are new to their positions and do not fully understand how the school functions and the part that school governance plays in this.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The most important knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn, including the areas where they need to deepen their understanding, have not been precisely outlined in all subjects. As a result, sometimes pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that the curriculum for all subject is equally well constructed and that pupils have the opportunity to secure their learning and develop a deeper understanding of curriculum content.

• Some members of the governing body do not have sufficient knowledge and understanding to be able to conduct their role effectively. This means that they do not fulfil their roles as best as they could. The governing body should ensure that all members have the knowledge that they need to evaluate the school's effectiveness further.

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