Altrincham CofE (Aided) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Pupils are happy to attend this welcoming and caring school. Leaders and staff are ambitious for the achievement of all pupils, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils achieve well in the majority of subjects. Pupils describe the school as 'a family where everybody is respected'. They understand fairness, equality and diversity. Pupils recognise that 'we are all unique so there is always going to be something different about you and that's fine'. Pupils flourish in leadership roles such as librarians or members of the school council. Pupils feel safe. They appreciate the support that they receive from staff. Leaders deal with bullying effectively. They have high expectations for behaviour. Classrooms are calm. This allows pupils to do their best in lessons. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, benefit from an extensive programme of high-quality opportunities that enhance their learning and support their personal development. Leaders remove barriers that might prevent pupils from attending these activities effectively. Pupils participate in interesting trips and visits, including adventurous outdoor activities. They take part in exciting residential visits and cultural visits to an art gallery and the theatre. They also learn to play a musical instrument and enjoy live musical performances.

What the school should improve

• In one or two subjects, pupils' learning does not build in the most logical order from the early years through to Year 6. This hinders some pupils from learning and remembering as much knowledge as they could. Leaders should improve the order in which knowledge is taught in these subjects. This is so that pupils build securely on earlier learning to embed and deepen their knowledge before they tackle new concepts.
• In a few subjects, subject leaders' work to check on the impact of the curriculums is at an early stage. This means that these subject leaders do not have a clear enough understanding of how well the curriculum is helping pupils know and remember more. Leaders should ensure that in these subjects, they gather the information they need to make sure that the curriculum is helping pupils to build up their knowledge securely over time.

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