St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Streetly

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

St Anne's Catholic Primary School is an inspirational school where pupils flourish. The school is highly aspirational for all pupils. Children receive an excellent start to their education from the moment they begin in early years.

The school has designed a curriculum which is ambitious. Pupils gain deep and wide knowledge as they move through the school. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the education their children receive.

The school holds high expectations for all pupils. Pupils live up to these expectations. They achieve exceptionally well across the curriculum.

Published outcomes are high for all pupils and groups of pupils, including... pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils enjoy school and attend well.

Pupils behave exceptionally well.

They show exemplary attitudes to their learning. This begins in early years, where children quickly learn and follow daily routines. Pupils are focused and respectful.

They are polite to each other and to visitors. Pupils trust adults to listen to them and support them if they are worried about anything. As a result, pupils feel safe and cared for in school.

Pupils enjoy the enrichment experiences that the school provides. They benefit from a wide range of trips and external visitors which enhance the curriculum.

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

The school has developed a curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils exceptionally well.

This starts in the early years. In each subject, the school clearly identifies knowledge so that teaching staff know precisely what pupils should learn. There are regular opportunities for pupils to recap on previous learning.

This helps them to retain their knowledge and build on it over time.

The school ensures that learning builds progressively as pupils move through the curriculum. Pupils develop strong connections between new and prior learning.

For example, pupils use their prior knowledge of climate zones to deepen their understanding about where and why natural disasters occur in geography. The curriculum is designed to develop pupils' curiosity about the world. In history, pupils consider how historical events have influenced us today.

Pupils can make links between different historical periods. For example, older pupils confidently discuss similarities between different historical civilisations. The expert implementation of the curriculum enables pupils to develop deep and rich knowledge over time.

Learning is adapted well to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.

The school prioritises teaching pupils to read. Children begin to learn to read as soon as they start school.

They learn early sounds very well. The books they read match the sounds they have learned. All staff have the expertise needed to teach phonics well.

They check pupils' phonics progress carefully. If pupils fall behind, they receive the support that they need to help them to catch up quickly. Pupils develop an understanding of diversity through the reading curriculum.

They strengthen their fluency and reading skills as they move through the school.

The school's programme for personal development is exceptional. Pupils have many meaningful opportunities to develop a sense of responsibility.

For example, pupils can apply to be part of the pupil parliament. A democratic process takes place where representatives are voted onto the council by their peers. Pupils feel they have a voice, stating that the school is 'an environment where everyone can have their say'.

They have an influence on how the school can be improved. For example, the pupil parliament asked school leaders for a quiet place where pupils could reflect. This resulted in the development of the Chapel within the school, which is respectfully used by pupils.

The school prepares pupils exceptionally well for life in modern Britain. Pupils state that everyone is treated fairly in school. They are respectful and tolerant, celebrating pupils' differences in this very inclusive school.

Pupils learn about diversity and equality. They understand about healthy relationships and know what it means to be a good friend. Pupils know how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy, as well as how to stay safe online and in the wider community.

The school sits at the heart of the community. The senior leadership team, staff, governors and parents share in the school's vision and direction. They describe the school as a family.

There is a collective drive to make the school the best it can possibly be. Governors are highly skilled. They rigorously ensure that the school provides a high-quality education for all pupils.

Staff appreciate the steps that the school takes to support their well-being and workload. Staff morale is incredibly high.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.