St Benet’s Catholic Primary School, Ouston

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy at this vibrant school. They embody the principles of the 'St Benet's way', being respectful, responsible and ready to learn.

The school has high expectations for all pupil's achievement. Pupils achieve well in most areas. The Catholic ethos is at the heart of the school.

Pupils feel safe, nurtured and valued and are aspirational for their future.

Pupils' conduct is exemplary. They speak to adults and visitors in the building with maturity.

Pupils can learn without distraction. In lessons, pupils play an active part in their learning. Classrooms are purposeful environments.

Pupils sensibly access a range of activities at lun...chtimes. In the early years, children interact calmly and positively with each other.

Pupils have an exceptional understanding of fundamental British values.

They show a deep respect for different faiths and cultures. This ensures that everyone is welcome at the school. Discrimination is not tolerated.

If pupils have any concerns, they have trusted adults to speak to.

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

The school has settled after a turbulent year. The discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) led to the enforced closure of most of the school building between September 2023 and June 2024.

During this period, pupils accessed their education across three different sites. Staff, pupils and parents recognise the positive way that the school has responded to this challenge.

The school has developed a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils.

The curriculum is knowledge-rich, and in some areas, such as history and geography, goes beyond the national curriculum. The school has identified the important knowledge that pupils will learn and broken this down into small chunks. Teachers have a good knowledge of the curriculum.

They select engaging activities and deliver these with enthusiasm. Teachers regularly check pupils' knowledge and address any misconceptions. As a result, pupils have a strong understanding of most areas of the curriculum.

Historical inconsistencies in the delivery of the mathematics curriculum mean that some pupils have gaps in their mathematical knowledge. Pupils' achievement in mathematics is not as strong as in other areas of the curriculum. The school has addressed this by making changes to the mathematics curriculum and providing training for staff on how best to deliver it.

As a result, pupils have fewer gaps in their knowledge than they previously did.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well at the school. Pupils' needs are identified quickly and accurately .

Staff skilfully adapt lessons to ensure all pupils access the curriculum. Pupils with SEND participate fully in school life.

Reading is prioritised across the school.

The school expertly implements the phonics programme. Children start learning phonics straight away in Reception. The school provides effective support for any pupils struggling with reading.

As a result, most pupils quickly become fluent readers. Pupils develop a love of reading from Nursery through to the end of Year 6. Pupils speak with enthusiasm about their favourite books and authors.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy reading at this school.

In the early years, staff support children effectively in developing their personal and communication skills. The early years curriculum provides the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that children need to successfully access key stage 1.

The indoor environment supports children's learning well. However, the outdoor environment is less well developed and does not support learning as effectively.

Pupils' behaviour is exceptional.

They are respectful and supportive of each other. Routines are embedded in the early years and are consistently applied to the end of Year 6. Pupils follow these without question.

The provision for pupils' personal development is excellent. The school develops positive character traits by promoting moral values and self-regulation across the curriculum. Pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, attend a wide range of extra-curricular clubs such as sports, arts and nature.

Pupil leaders have a positive impact on the life of the school and the local community. The Years 5 and 6 buddies support Nursery and Reception children, and the key stage 2 Minni Vinnies collect food for a local food bank.

The school is ably supported by the local governing body and the trust.

Those responsible for governance provide support and challenge to ensure the school is continually improving. The school works closely with the diocese. Leaders are considerate of staff workload and well-being.

Staff feel well supported. They enjoy working here and are proud of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Over time, the delivery of the mathematics curriculum has been inconsistent. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their mathematical knowledge and are currently not achieving as well as they might. The school should continue its work to address the gaps in pupils' mathematical knowledge.

• The outside learning environment in early years is not developed as effectively as it could be. As a result, some children do not learn as well as they could beyond the classroom. The school should improve its use of the outside environment to ensure it supports children's learning well.

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