South Failsworth Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 April 2024

Pupils flourish because of the care that they receive from staff at this warm and friendly school. They are celebrated as individuals. Pupils learn about what makes them unique. This makes them feel valued and happy. The school is ambitious for what pupils can achieve academically and in their wider school life. Many pupils achieve these high standards in most subjects. Pupils know the school's 'be' rules and they try hard to follow them. They are welcoming and polite towards adults and each other. Pupils work and play cooperatively. Children in the early years follow instructions and listen carefully. They are enthused when sharing their learning experiences with others. Older pupils act as role models through their responsibility as a 'buddy'. Pupils benefit from the school's exceptional programme for personal development. They enjoy attending the comprehensive range of clubs, activities and trips which staff have thoughtfully designed to enhance their talents and interests. They take part in a programme with a school in a contrasting locality to develop their communication and teamwork skills through a range of activities. Pupils understand the importance of fundamental British values. They demonstrate high levels of respect for, and interest in, those with different backgrounds or beliefs from their own. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• In some areas, the information which governors receive lacks clarity. As a result, they do not have sufficient understanding of some of the important details of school priorities and improvement strategies. Consequently, they are not able to hold leaders to account as effectively as they could. The governing body should ensure that the school provides clear, specific and precise information to enable governors to contribute effectively to school improvement.
• The leadership of a small number of subjects is underdeveloped. This means that on occasion, teachers are not provided with the guidance that they need to deliver the curriculum as effectively as the school intends. The school should ensure that it develops expertise in subject leadership so that teachers are helped to deliver the subject curriculums effectively.

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