Our Lady and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Maryport

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

Our Lady and St Patrick's is an outstanding school.

Parents and carers hold extremely positive views about its work. One comment sums up the views of many, 'All staff are dedicated to making sure every child is happy, safe, makes good progress and has fun.' The school's rapid response to the increase in pupils who arrive during the year with a wide range of differing needs demonstrates its vigorous commitment to inclusion.

The school rightly has development of provision for these pupils as a key priority in the current improvement plan. Pupils' achievement is outstanding. They are very enthusiastic learners.

By the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment is significantly above the national ...average, because all groups make exceptional progress from their starting points. Children make a excellent start in the Early Years Foundation Stage where they quickly become successful learners. Teaching is outstanding in all phases of the school.

It is based on excellent knowledge of pupils' needs and an outstanding, exciting curriculum that is adapted extremely well to their interests. Teaching and the curriculum make an excellent contribution to pupils' outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Teaching assistants make an excellent contribution to pupils' progress and achievement.

Lessons buzz with excitement. Pupils' excellent behaviour helps lessons move at a brisk rate. Care and support are outstanding, ensuring pupils feel completely safe.

Each child is cherished as an individual, and is taught to respect themself and others for the contribution they all make to the happy, calm school community. The quality leadership of teaching and management of performance are outstanding. The headteacher is dynamic and determined in her pursuit of the best for all pupils.

She is fully supported by a very able leadership team and the commitment of governors and all staff.

Information about the school

The school is smaller than most primary schools. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage, though there has been a recent increase in the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language, mainly from Eastern European backgrounds.

There has been an increase in the number of pupils who arrive other than at the start of the academic year. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is twice the national average. The proportion of disabled pupils or have special educational needs is above average.

The school meets the government's floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The school holds many awards including Healthy Schools status, Artsmark and Activemark. There has been a significant increase in the number of pupils on roll since the previous inspection, especially in the last two years.

There is a breakfast club and wrap around care available on site. This is run by a private management group and is subject to a separate inspection. This report is available on the Ofsted website.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

Also at this postcode