St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school. Pupils, parents and carers are exceptionally positive about the school, especially how inclusive it is in valuing all pupils equally and in developing pupils' outstanding social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.

They appreciate the way the new headteacher has made the school even more welcoming to parents and carers. Pupils' achievement is good. From starting points that are generally in line with age-related expectations on entry to the Early Years Foundation Stage, pupils make good progress to attain standards that are typically above the national average.

Teaching is good with some that is outstanding. It is linked to an exciting curriculum, enthuses pupils ...and helps them make rapid progress. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, opportunities are sometimes missed for children to learn outdoors.

There is developing good practice in marking and target-setting so that pupils know clearly how to improve their work. Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils say they feel extremely safe in school.

They enjoy school immensely and say that misbehaviour is uncommon and is effectively dealt with by their teachers. Attendance is above average. Leadership and management are good.

The new headteacher has offered phase and subject leaders fresh opportunities to develop effective teamwork and be accountable for raising attainment. While senior leaders and managers accurately evaluate the school's strengths and weaknesses and use the outcomes astutely to target further improvements, some leaders who are new to their roles are less skilful in monitoring and evaluating these initiatives. The governing body supports senior leaders well and offers rigorous challenge.

Information about the school

This school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Almost all pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average.

The proportion of pupils who are disabled or who have special educational needs is average. The school has Healthy School status and has achieved the Activemark award, Eco School Award and ICT Mark. The school meets the current floor standards.

The headteacher has been in post since September 2011, having previously been deputy headteacher in the school. The school is waiting to fill the recently vacated posts of deputy headteacher and leader of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Year 2 teacher, who previously taught in the Early Years Foundation Stage, has held both posts temporarily since September 2011.

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