Pupils flourish and achieve well at this small, friendly school. Their joy of learning is reflected in their high rates of attendance. Most pupils work hard and live up to the high expectations that staff have of them. Pupils share warm, caring and supportive relationships with staff. Pupils are happy and feel safe. They know that staff are there to help them if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils make friends across year groups and show respect to one another. Pupils play happily together in the playground. Most pupils behave well and move around the school in an orderly manner. They are polite and well mannered. Bullying rarely happens. If it does, staff sort it out quickly. Pupils take an active role in the running of the school through their roles as school councillors, sports ambassadors and computer monitors. Pupils in Year 6 particularly enjoy the responsibilities they have of being buddies to children in the Reception class. Parents and carers are positive about the school and the many opportunities afforded to their children. Most are proud of their children’s achievements. Parents typically commented: ‘My child has thrived at this school, both academically and emotionally.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? The headteacher knows her school well. She has a clear view of the strengths of the school and its priorities for development. Working with her staff and governors, she is determined to give pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the best possible start to their education. Leaders have designed a curriculum that is ambitious and meets the requirements of the national curriculum. School curriculum plans identify the core knowledge that pupils must learn and the order in which it should be taught. However, in some subjects, curriculum plans do not detail the fundamental knowledge that children in the Reception class need to learn in order for them to access the curriculum in Year 1. Leaders are not complacent. They are keen to further improve the design of the curriculum. In some subjects, curriculum plans have been adjusted to provide planned opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning and make links with other subjects in the national curriculum. This will help pupils make connections in their learning, know more and remember more. However, these plans are at an early stage of development in some subjects. As soon as the children enter the Reception class, they are immersed in stories and rhymes. Staff take every opportunity to develop and extend children’s vocabulary. Inspection report: Moss Hey Primary School 29 and 30 September 2021 2 Children start learning phonics right from the start. All staff in the Reception class and key stage 1 use the same approach to the teaching of phonics. Pupils, including those in the Reception class, read books that are matched to the sounds that they know. Pupils who are falling behind are given the support they need to help them to catch up quickly. Older pupils in key stage 2 show a real love of reading. They talk with confidence about their favourite authors and the different types of books they like to read. However, teachers in key stage 2 have not had access to the same high-quality phonics training as their colleagues. This means that these staff may lack confidence and competence in supporting older pupils who are less proficient readers. Teachers have secure subject knowledge and present new learning clearly. Any misconceptions are usually dealt with well. Some pupils can recall prior learning. For example, pupils told inspectors that during the Stone Age people lived in caves, slept on stones, hunted wild animals and wore bear skins. Most pupils are keen to learn and concentrate well in class. Pupils with SEND learn alongside their friends and have their needs identified and met promptly. The special educational needs coordinator works closely with teachers to enable them to make adaptations to the curriculum. Leaders work well with other agencies to ensure that pupils with SEND are supported effectively. Pupils are taught about mutual respect and tolerance. They talk fondly about the wide range of trips and after-school clubs they experienced prior to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Some of these activities have now restarted. Pupils understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including eating a nutritious and balanced diet. Governors are knowledgeable about the school and are supporting leaders skilfully with the refinements they are making to the curriculum. They act as critical friends, offering support and challenge in equal measure. Most staff are proud to work at the school. They appreciate how senior leaders consider their workload to ensure they have a life outside school. Staff typically comment: ‘The headteacher is very aware of teachers’ workload and is careful not to put excessive burdens on staff.’ Safeguarding The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. There is a strong culture of safeguarding across the school. Staff are well trained and have a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They can identify when pupils are showing signs of distress and when there is a change in their demeanour. Staff have a clear understanding of procedures to follow should they be concerned about a child’s welfare.