St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Ramsbottom

Overview

St Andrew’s is described as a “welcoming school where pupils feel known and valued,” guided by the vision of “Letting our light shine.” The report highlights “strong” standards in inclusion and personal development, with pupils achieving well and displaying positive attitudes. While most aspects meet the “expected standard,” leaders are addressing specific areas to ensure consistent high-quality outcomes across the curriculum.

Strengths

• Leaders have “high expectations” for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, using “well-established systems” to identify needs and provide effective support.
• Pupils develop “positive character traits” and a “secure understanding of fundamental British values,” confidently challenging discrimination.
• Staff create a “calm and orderly environment” with clear routines, ensuring bullying is “swiftly dealt with” and pupils feel “cared for and supported.”
• The curriculum is “ambitious” and “sequenced effectively,” helping pupils gain appropriate knowledge and become “confident readers.”
• Parents are “overwhelmingly positive” about the care their children receive, valuing the school’s “nurturing” approach and communication.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should continue work to “secure consistently high attendance” for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
• Early years staff must take every opportunity to “develop children’s communication skills” so interactions consistently promote language development.
• Teachers should provide more practice for pupils to secure “fluent handwriting and accurate letter formation” in writing.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns are actively identified and managed.