Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school? '

To live as Jesus taught us' is the motto that underpins everything at this school.

Staff have high ambitions for every pupil, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school works hard to help pupils to be the best they can be. As a result, pupils do well and achieve strong outcomes.

This is a community where pupils are nurtured and very well cared for. Pupils repay this with excellent behaviour. Warm and respectful relationships between adults and pupils are commonplace and a pleasure to observe.

Pupils are courteous, caring and friendly. They work hard and enjoy their learning. They are confid...ent that adults will deal with any issues quickly and fairly.

The school's work to enhance pupils' character and personal development is strong. Pupils enjoy a wide range of activities that extends their learning beyond the classroom. These activities include leadership roles, trips, residentials and after-school clubs.

Pupils also learn important life lessons on topics such as healthy relationships and online safety. Consequently, they are well prepared for later life.

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

The school has high expectations of every pupil.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Staff teach engaging lessons that gradually build up pupils' knowledge and skills. Pupils achieve well.

Reading is a priority across the school. The way reading is taught is well structured and helps pupils to develop their phonics skills effectively. Staff quickly spot pupils who may need extra help and provide them with targeted help to catch up.

Pupils enjoy daily story and reading time. The many reading nooks spread throughout the school and the library ensures that pupils have many opportunities to access a wide range of interesting texts.

Staff have strong subject knowledge.

Pupils receive work that is well matched to their needs and abilities. This includes disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. Teachers quickly spot pupils who are stuck and need further help.

They act swiftly to ensure pupils get the help they need. However, some pupils, particularly those who are capable of more, are not moved on to new learning quickly enough. This slows their learning.

Pupils with SEND are very well supported. The school swiftly identifies any pupils who may need extra help. They receive bespoke support at every level.

This includes in lessons and through targeted interventions. All staff know the pupils with SEND and their needs very well. As a result, pupils with SEND overcome any barriers to learning they have and do well.

Children in the early years settle in well. They are happy and safe. Staff work well to get to know children.

Children begin learning about letters and numbers straight away. However, sometimes learning activities do not ensure that children build on what they already know and can do.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent.

They fully understand and consistently meet the school's high expectations for their conduct and behaviour. The school is calm and orderly, including during play and lunchtimes. Little learning time is lost.

Pupils are consistently respectful to one another and adults.

The school's work to promote pupils' wider development is strong. There are a range of after-school clubs and activities for pupils to take part in.

In lessons, pupils learn about different cultures, faiths and topics, such as healthy relationships and personal safety. Pupils told us that their lessons help them to learn about themselves and others. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Senior leaders are dedicated to and passionate about their school. They promptly identify and address any issues that fall short of their high expectations. Leaders work very well with the trust to improve their school.

All staff are proud to work at the school. They believe that school leaders care about their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Staff do not consistently move pupils' learning on when they are ready to learn new things. This means that these pupils who are capable of more do not achieve as well as they could. The school should ensure that all staff have the expertise to support pupils' learning effectively.

• The learning activities provided for children in the early years do not always ensure that they build on what they already know and can do. This slows their learning. The school should ensure that learning tasks deliberately build children's knowledge and skills over time.

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