Allerton Bywater Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Allerton Bywater Primary School is a happy place where pupils thrive. Leaders prioritise the well-being of staff, pupils and their families. All pupils are welcomed and expected to do well. Parents and carers are happy with how leaders support pupils and say their children feel safe. Leaders help develop pupils' character by teaching them the school values, such as confidence. Pupils know and understand these values. Older pupils are proud to be part of the school council and contribute to wider school life. They recognise and reward their peers for making the right choices. Pupils have a voice and are encouraged to use it, for example in junior leadership roles. Pupils focus and behave well and during lessons. They play well at social times. Bullying is rare. When it does happen, leaders take swift action. Kind and caring relationships exist between pupils and adults. Pupils trust that adults will help them with any worries quickly and effectively. As one pupil said, 'Teachers are caring and you can tell them anything.' Leaders have designed an enrichment programme that involves pupils experiencing 'memorable moments' such as workshops with Opera North. These moments have links to the arts, music, sport and culture and help build aspirations through new experiences.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the recent changes to pedagogical approaches that leaders have made are new. Some staff need further support to get the most out of activities such as recall practice. This means that pupils are not consistently securing important knowledge. Leaders should ensure that changes are carefully monitored and adapted where necessary, to ensure pupils remember the important knowledge they need.

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