Birkenhead Christ Church CofE Primary School

Overview

Pupils take pride in belonging to this “nurturing and caring school,” where they are “cared for well” and settle quickly. Leaders maintain “high expectations for pupils’ academic success,” delivering an “ambitious and rich curriculum” that enables most pupils to achieve well. The school fosters a calm environment where pupils respect differences and contribute positively to the community.

Strengths

• New arrivals, including many new to the country, are “welcomed warmly” and become “valued members of the school community.”
• Pupils benefit from extensive support for their “emotional well-being,” including opportunities to work with the school dog, which helps them manage behaviour.
• Teachers deliver the curriculum effectively, checking learning carefully and helping those who struggle with new concepts to “keep up.”
• Systems to identify pupils with gaps in learning or special educational needs are “very secure,” ensuring these pupils “keep pace with the expectations.”
• The revised approach to phonics is “proving to be successful,” with a considerable increase in pupils meeting expected standards.

Areas to improve

• Ensure older pupils have greater opportunities to recall earlier learning so they can build on existing knowledge and leave Year 6 prepared for next steps.
• Develop pupils’ oral communication skills so they can “articulate their ideas” and link their learning clearly.
• Continue working with families to improve attendance rates, as some pupils miss out on important learning due to irregular attendance.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”