Holy Family Catholic Primary School, New Springs, Wigan

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils, staff and parents are proud to be associated with this happy school. Leaders have high expectations and aspirations for all pupils.

As a result, pupils thrive. They enjoy learning and achieve exceptionally well. The warm and caring relationships that exist between pupils and staff are at the heart of the school's success.

Pupils are a credit to the school. They wear their uniforms with pride and are rarely absent. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary in lessons and during breaktimes.

They show genuine care and respect for each other. Older pupils relish taking on extra responsibilities, such as play buddies and school ambassadors.The pupils that we spoke wi...th said that they feel safe in school.

They said that there is always someone to talk to if they are worried about something. Pupils are aware of the different types of bullying. However, they said that bullying rarely happens and that staff will deal with it well.

A wide range of clubs are available to pupils before and after school. This helps them to explore new interests and develop their talents.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Pupils receive a high-quality education at Holy Family.

They achieve exceptionally well in reading, writing and mathematics. This includes disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils also achieve highly in other subjects.

For example, leaders have ensured that the curriculum is well structured in art and science so that pupils' knowledge builds effectively over time. As a result of the school's broad and well-planned curriculum, pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education when they leave Year 6.Children develop a thirst for reading from their very first days in the Reception class.

Staff introduce them to stories and poems. The phonics programme is well structured. Staff ensure that the books given to children match their reading ability.

This means that children are able to practise their reading in school and at home. Children who struggle are given effective support and do not get left behind. As they move through school, pupils develop a love of reading and many read widely and often.

The mathematics curriculum has been carefully planned. Teachers have high expectations for all pupils. In the early years, children develop an excellent understanding of numbers to 20, along with other aspects of mathematics such as shape and space.

In key stage 1 and key stage 2, learning is well-sequenced so that pupils learn more and remember more. Pupils enjoy the demanding tasks that teachers provide to make them think more deeply.

The school provides many opportunities to support pupils' learning outside of the classroom.

These range from visits to churches and mosques to team-building activities and residential visits. Many of these visits are related to the school's curriculum such as the recent trip to a transport museum. Another class visited Chester, during the autumn term, as part of their topic on the Roman occupation.

Staff ensure that the early years curriculum inspires children to learn. Staff are highly ambitious for all children. They encourage children's participation in all aspects of learning and development.

They know the children exceptionally well and ensure that learning builds over time. They also support children's personal and social development extremely well. As a result, children become happy, successful and enthusiastic learners.

There is a strong and effective focus on developing pupils' character. The school provides high-quality pastoral support. Leaders also ensure that pupils develop respect for different lifestyles, religions and cultures.

As a result, pupils understand the importance of British values and are tolerant and are respectful towards those who are different.

Governors share the headteacher's vision for excellence. They have played a key role in maintaining the high standards at the school.

They are frequent visitors to the school. They use their knowledge of the school's policies and practice to provide support and pose challenge to school leaders.

The members of staff that we spoke with were highly complimentary about the school's leadership team.

They told us that they feel valued and exceptionally well supported. They said that they enjoy working at the school and that leaders care about their well-being and workload.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders ensure that safeguarding is given the highest priority. They ensure that appropriate checks are made on all adults who work at the school. Staff receive regular safeguarding training.

They fully understand what to do if they have concerns over a pupil's safety or well-being. Governors understand their role in ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures reflect current requirements. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe in the community and when online.