An Oldham primary school has received a ‘good’ rating in all areas from Ofsted four years after being told to improve.

Werneth Primary School on Coppice Street had been rated ‘requires improvement’ by the education watchdog in 2019 but has now received a ‘good’ rating following an inspection in May.

Leaders at the school had been previously criticised for not securing good quality teaching.

Governors were also found to not hold senior leaders closely to account and the curriculum was said to still be “developing”.

Inspectors have now, however, described the curriculum as “ambitious” and “aspirational” and called pupils “eager learners who focus well on their learning”.

It was also noted that leaders ensure pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are supported well by staff to access the same curriculum as their peers.

In 2020, a new principal took charge of the school and appointed some new members of staff to the senior leadership team.

In the latest inspection, Ofsted inspectors described the school, which has 429 pupils aged from three to 11 years old, as a “a happy place” where pupils “embrace the wealth of cultures that make up their diverse school community”.

Inspectors praised the school’s pastoral support, noting that pupils engage in meditation activities delivered by staff to support their physical and mental well-being.

The report added that pupil’s conduct around school was “calm and orderly” with any rare incidents of bullying dealt with “quickly and effectively”, helping pupils feel safe.

Pupils were also seen to “listen attentively to their teachers” with “very little disruption” in lessons.

The Oldham Times: A young pupil at Werneth Primary School

Additionally, pupils were found to be “kind and friendly towards each other”, with inspectors saying that they enjoy their playtimes together.

Students at the school also develop an understanding of “fundamental British values” and are “well prepared for life in modern Britain” and “understand the importance of tolerance and the rule of law”, which can be seen in their behaviour towards each other, according to inspectors.

Some areas of improvement were identified in the report.

Inspectors said in a small number of subjects, teachers are “less clear about what pupils already know” and what they will learn next.

In the early years department, it was also found that some staff do not have “sufficient expertise” to deliver certain aspects of the curriculum as school leaders intend, meaning some children do not acquire some of the knowledge they need to prepare for them for Year 1.

Inspectors have told leaders to finalise the curriculum where needed and ensure staff have the “knowledge, skills and expertise” for effective learning.

The report did however say that leaders have made sure that reading is a priority for all staff and inspectors commented that children in the nursery are attentive to the stories, rhymes and songs that staff share with them.

It was also observed that as soon as children start in reception, they are prepared well to begin learning phonics.

Older pupils meanwhile enjoy reading and they talk about the books that they have read with enthusiasm.

In response to the report, the Principal of Werneth Primary School, Jonathan Bell said: “We agree with everything the inspectors have said. Werneth is a school where aspirations are high for all and children thrive in every way - academically, socially, mentally and physically.

“It’s a privilege to lead a school like this. I have a superb team of teachers and support staff and together we have made Werneth a school community that local families are proud to be part of.”

Jayne Clarke, executive principal of The Pinnacle Learning Trust which runs Werneth Primary School, added: “We’re so proud of Werneth. This is a credit to the excellent, experienced, and hard-working team at the school.

“Our trust supports all our schools, and our college, to continuously improve and Werneth is an excellent example of this.”