Alkrington Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 March 2023

Pupils feel happy and safe at school. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and respectful. Pupils value that they are well supported and cared for both academically and socially. Staff have high expectations of what all pupils can achieve socially and academically. As a result, pupils work hard and achieve well. They are polite and well behaved in lessons and are considerate of each other. If any bullying does occur, pupils are confident to raise their concerns with a member of staff. Adults sort out bullying incidents quickly and well. Pupils know that they are treated fairly. Leaders have developed a wealth of opportunities to deepen pupils' learning and help them to become active citizens of the world. Pupils learn important life skills, such as how to make a simple meal and use cutlery appropriately. Staff also help them make a wider contribution to their community. Leaders, staff, parents and carers have established positive partnerships which support pupils to engage in all that the school has to offer. Pupils and parents value the extra experiences in sports, the arts and culture that teachers provide. The dance festival is a particular highlight every year, especially when the teachers take centre stage to perform their routine.

What the school should improve

• In one or two subjects, leaders and teachers have not decided on the most effective approaches to check that pupils have understood what they have been taught. This means that teachers are not sure if pupils are building up their knowledge securely over time. Leaders should ensure that teachers are equipped to find out what pupils retain from their learning so they can build their knowledge securely.
• Leaders are in the early stages of checking that the new curriculums are being delivered as they intend. This means that they are not able to pinpoint how well pupils are learning. Leaders should make sure that the revised curriculums are being followed so that pupils can build their knowledge progressively over time.
• Some disadvantaged pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should. This means that they miss out on their learning. Leaders should ensure that these pupils attend school regularly so that they can achieve well.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)