Blackshaw Moor CofE First School

Overview

Blackshaw Moor CofE First School is judged to be a good school, characterised by a "caring and nurturing environment" where "values of courage, trust, compassion, friendship, truthfulness and respect" guide the community. The report highlights "high expectations" for learning, with staff who know pupils well and deliver a "well ordered" curriculum that enables children to build understanding from Nursery to Year 4.

Strengths

• Staff maintain "very high expectations" for what pupils should learn, with a curriculum that is "well ordered" and allows pupils to "build their level of understanding" over time.
• Reading holds a "very high profile," with early phonics teaching and opportunities for pupils to discuss texts, supported by a "strong Christian ethos" that underpins positive relationships.
• The school is "as ambitious for its pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as it is for all pupils," with staff who "quickly spot when those pupils need more help."
• Attendance is "high across the school," and pupils are described as "excited and happy," contributing to a culture where the school "radiates warmth and care for others."

Areas to improve

• Ensure all pupils are given consistent opportunities to learn the meaning of new vocabulary in reading and discuss what they have read, as some are currently too focused on decoding.
• Precisely adapt the curriculum to match what some pupils already know and can do, as mismatched work currently makes learning harder for them.
• Refine systems for assessing SEND needs so that staff have a "clear understanding of the needs of the pupils" and provision precisely overcomes learning barriers.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."