Smithdown Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 January 2026

Pupils are proud to belong to a school where the motto 'Together we grow' is reflected in daily life. They feel known, valued and included. Relationships between pupils and adults are warm and respectful. Staff work to remove barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, pupils feel safe and ready to learn. Adults know pupils well and respond promptly to their needs, helping pupils to settle quickly, trust staff and approach learning with confidence. Pupils behave well and enjoy learning. From the early years onwards, they learn routines and expectations that help them manage their behaviour. They move calmly around the school and are polite to adults and each other. Bullying or discrimination is rare, and pupils are confident staff deal with concerns quickly. This creates a calm, secure environment where learning continues without interruption. Most pupils attend regularly and understand the importance of being in school every day. Pupils come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and many join the school during the academic year. Pupils welcome new classmates and help them settle. They discuss different cultures and beliefs and show respect for views that differ from their own, helping everyone feel included. Pupils take part in experiences beyond lessons. They attend trips, clubs and enrichment activities and describe opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership and kindness, including through the pupil council and eco initiatives. These experiences support pupils' confidence and their understanding of how they can contribute to school life. Pupils take pride in their work and respond positively to challenge. However, sometimes teaching, including the teaching of writing, does not help pupils to secure the depth of knowledge they need across all subjects.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to ensure that teaching across the wider curriculum builds on what pupils already know and can do so that their achievements further improve. • Leaders should strengthen the teaching of writing so that pupils develop secure knowledge and skills in writing, helping them to write more confidently and be better prepared for the next stage of their education.

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