Birkdale Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 April 2024

Pupils enjoy being part of this caring and welcoming school. They know that each member of staff cares about them as individuals. Many pupils, and their parents and carers, spoke of the loving Birkdale school family. Pupils recognise that teachers put a spark into learning to make it fun and enjoyable. They particularly like the songs that teachers share with them across the curriculum, even more so when the staff band springs into action. The school has fostered a supportive learning atmosphere that enables pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to succeed. Pupils understand the school's high expectations of their work. They achieve and behave well. They are polite and respectful towards each other and to staff. They enjoy playtimes with their friends and the many games that staff organise. Pupils make a positive and real contribution to the development of the school's curriculum. For example, student ambassadors and staff work closely to enhance pupils' learning experiences. They have helped to raise the profile of their specialist areas. Pupil voice is a strong feature of this school. Each week, staff consult pupils on a topic and this feeds into the decisions that the school makes. This makes pupils feel that adults in the school listen to them.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, there have been recent changes to the curriculum. In these areas, some pupils do not remember prior learning well enough. The school should ensure that staff design learning activities, which help pupils to remember more and build on what they have learned in the past.

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