Lower Peover Primary School celebrates 'outstanding' Ofsted inspection

Lower Peover Primary School was awarded education watchdog’s highest accolade in 2013.

Inspectors once again gave the school full marks after a two-day inspection in July.

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In a glowing report, inspectors said: “Pupils benefit from an education of the highest quality.

“The school expects pupils to achieve highly, which they do.

“Pupils flourish into knowledgeable and confident individuals who are extremely well prepared for the wider world.

“The school has designed its curriculum meticulously to build pupils’ understanding securely over time.

“Staff take every opportunity to enhance the curriculum through trips and visits, as well as by making extensi9ve use of the school’s grounds and the local area.

“Consequently, pupils not only achieve well, but their learning is also enriched by memorable experiences.”

Headteacher Sharon Dean paid tribute to the whole team of teachers, teaching assistants and all other support staff.

Mrs Dean said: “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone working at the school in pursuit of supporting all pupils to flourish academically and emotionally throughout their studies.”

The inspection noted that reading is at the forefront of the curriculum.

From the early years, children develop a ‘thirst for knowledge’ and delight in ‘discovering new things’.

Almost 200 children attend the Knutsford school.

The report said: “Pupils in the reception class benefit from an expertly delivered phonics programme.

“They read books that match their phonics knowledge. This helps pupils to develop quickly into confident and fluent readers.

“Older pupils described the wonder of visiting a ‘whole new world’ in a book.

“From the early years to year 6, staff immerse pupils in subject-specific vocabulary.

“Pupils use this to articulate their learning clearly.”

Inspectors praised staff for their intuition, dedication and commitment.

The report stated: “In the early years, staff know children extremely well.

“Staff skillfully design learning activities that build on what children already know.

“Over time, pupils of all ages build deep and interconnected bodies of knowledge on each subject.

“They are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

"Pupils appreciate being part of this exceptional school.

"Staff warmly welcome them as they arrive each morning.

"Pupils said there is 'something for everyone'. 

"They seize opportunities to develop new interests and hobbies, from ice skating to making jewellery.

"Pupils learn to be resilient.

"Pupils are exceedingly courteous and respectful towards staff, visitors and each other."

The inspection noted the highly positive atmosphere in and around the school and the children’s understanding of tolerance and diversity.

Pupils learn to make positive contributions to the community through roles, such as road safety offices.

Children also take it in turns to serve food to their peers at lunchtime.

Religious education is taught to a great depth and covers not only the Christian faith but introduces other major faiths around the world.

Chairman of governors Louise Lawton said:“ The inspection was a highly demanding and intense two days.

“Everyone in the school, both staff and pupils, created a long lasting and positive impression in the minds of the two inspectors, which shone through in the feedback session at the end of the process.”

The inspectors adopted a multi-dimensional approach to all elements of the curriculum, highlighting the leaders’ strong subject knowledge and noting that outcomes in the school are very high, and maintained year on year.

Commenting specifically on maths, they observed that the children have a secure knowledge and lessons are considered carefully.

The school has a flexible approach, supporting all skill levels.

In terms of reading, inspectors noted the school is successfully teaching the subject with both breadth and ambition.

Older pupils were found to be both confident and well read.

It was highlighted that with geography, children could hold effective conversations with a strong emphasis of keeping up not catching up. Disciplinary knowledge of geography was found to be of a very high standard, with one class being judged very advanced.

Until 2020, the school was exempt from inspection because it was judged as outstanding at its previous inspection in May 2013.