Inspectors who visited Essa Primary School have rated the school as ‘good’ with outstanding early years provision.

Inspectors visited the school on Lever Edge Lane last month and said: “Pupils receive a warm welcome to school. Many of the pupils who join this school are new to the country and speak little English. They settle in quickly, make new friends and enjoy their time at Essa Primary School.

“Leaders have designed a well-planned curriculum in many subjects. This includes mathematics, English and personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). Leaders have thought carefully about the best order in which to teach different themes within these subjects.”

Pupils also told inspectors that they feel safe and they were proud to share with inspectors what they learn at school.

Inspectors reserved their strongest praise for the school’s early years provision, which they judged as outstanding: “Children get off to a flying start in Reception. They achieve very well in the different areas of learning. This is because staff are expert in helping children to develop their speaking and listening skills.”

Principal Jo Atherton said: ‘We are pleased the inspectors recognised the improvements that have taken place at Essa Primary and delighted they judged that we are a good school with outstanding features.’

However, the report detailed some areas where the school could improve: “Results in national tests at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 were low in 2019. This is because a large proportion of pupils have not experienced a stable education and therefore do not do well in the tests.

“Nevertheless, most pupils make good progress in their learning, particularly those who stay at Essa Primary for a long period of time.”

Additionally, further progress was needed in some subjects such as design and technology and music; areas where the curriculum is not yet sequenced effectively.

The report said: “This means that some pupils are unable to build on their prior learning in these subjects. Leaders must ensure that learning in these subjects is carefully planned so that teachers deliver content in a logical order.

“It is clear from the actions that leaders have already taken that they are in the process of bringing this about.”

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of Essa Foundation Academies Trust, which runs the school said: ‘I’ve witnessed a massive transformation at Essa in the three and a half years I’ve been here. This very positive inspection report represents a big team effort and underlines our commitment that all will succeed.’

An open day is being held on 11th December 9:30am-4:30pm for potential Reception parents for September 2020.