Poulton-le-Sands Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

Pupils are happy and secure at this friendly school. Children in the early years, and those who join the school at later points, receive a warm welcome from staff and pupils alike. They settle quickly and forge positive, trusting, respectful relationships with their peers and with staff. Pupils enjoy learning and generally follow the school rules. They are confident that staff will deal with bullying, should it occur. Pupils support each other within their ‘school families’ and develop their social skills through their roles as ‘wellbeing champions’. They also learn how they can contribute positively to society. For example, pupils have participated in a beach walk to raise money for a local hospice. Leaders develop pupils’ cultural capital through a broad range of experiences. This includes visits to castles, theatres and a residential trip to the Isle of Man. Pupils have opportunities to develop their interests and talents. They access a range of clubs, such as football, cricket, choir and art. Leaders make adaptations to ensure that all pupils can access these broader experiences, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders ensure that pupils attend well and that their personal and social needs are met through effective pastoral support. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. Pupils, including those with SEND, access a clearly designed, progressive curriculum. However, pupils have not always achieved as well as leaders and staff would like. While many pupils make positive progress from their starting points, a significant number of pupils do not secure the knowledge they need by the end of key stage 2. Leaders have made changes to the curriculum to improve pupils’ learning. However, these changes are still being embedded. There is currently variability in how effectively the curriculum is delivered in Years 1 to 6, which affects how securely pupils’ knowledge develops across subjects.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure assessment and learning activities work together to identify and close gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge so that pupils achieve well across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure teachers have the expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively so that teaching and learning activities focus sharply on pupils securing the intended knowledge.
• Leaders should strengthen the impact of the programme to support pupils' personal development so that pupils develop a deeper understanding of fundamental British values.

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