Cheetwood Community Primary School is located on the north side of Manchester but within very close walking distance of the city centre. The school is situated on the junction of two major roads into/out of the city. Manchester Prison (formerly Strangeways) is 200 metres away and the school is largely surrounded by industrial units.
The school’s population is richly diverse. 95% of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds (an increase of 3% in the last 2 academic years), which is three times the national average, with 29 different minority groups being represented in the school. 82% of pupils speak English as an additional language, which is four times the national average. Of these EAL pupils, 19% of them are at the early stages of English acquisition, which is broadly the same as last year. 33 different languages are represented in the school, which again is broadly the same as last year.
During the Ofsted inspection in March 2018, inspectors judged that “The school’s curriculum strongly supports pupils’ language development. This helps pupils, particularly those who speak English as an additional language, to make good progress in their learning”.
The multicultural and diverse nature of the school contributes significantly to its positive ethos.
Ofsted inspectors also judged that “This is a highly inclusive school……work to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highly effective……leaders value highly the ‘richness of beliefs, cultures and experiences’ of pupils and staff”.
The school’s rates of transience remain high. Last academic year, 72 pupils left or came to the school other than at the normal time of admission between September 2019 and March 2020 (when school closed for the lockdown). This is 36% of the school population and an increase from 33% transience in 2018/2019 (when 65 pupils left or came other than at the normal time of admission). Inspite of regular changes to the pupil population, behaviour is consistently very good. High mobility has not acted as a barrier to learning or disrupted lessons, but in fact the consistently good behaviour has greatly supported the transition and inclusion of new pupils to the school community.
Parents/carers rarely need to raise a concern or issue with the school but when this does occur records and logs show that matters are resolved quickly and satisfactorily. Based upon the strong partnerships already in existence with parents/carers, the school was one of the first in Manchester to receive accreditation for the nationally recognised Leading Parent Partnership Award in January 2011 and was reaccredited in 2014. The school has continued to develop engagement with parents and as an active member of the Parental Engagement Network has been involved in developing resources and influencing practice across the city. Consultation with parents/carers is a strength of the school and opportunities to seek the views and opinions of stakeholders are planned throughout the year. This includes the Ofsted ‘Parent View’ questionnaire and bespoke surveys linked to school improvement priorities. Please see our Parent/Carers page on this website for information on surveys and consultations the school has undertaken over the last few years.
