St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, Chester-Le-Street

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school's mantra, 'Be yourself, but be it very well', is lived out by all who are part of the St Cuthbert's family.

It is clear that everybody matters here. Pupils have an enthusiasm for school that is apparent to all. They enjoy coming to their school, where they feel happy and safe.

Pupils thrive because adults value and support them well.

The school is ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum is well considered and carefully planned.

In most cases, the new learning pupils' experience builds on what they already know. Teachers encourage pupils to think deeply about the things that they learn.

Pupils demonstrate consistently high standar...ds of behaviour.

Pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary. They demonstrate tolerance and respect for others. Staff ensure that classrooms are calm and purposeful places where pupils can thrive in their learning.

Pupils move around the school with independence and maturity.

The school's personal development curriculum encourages pupils to make a positive contribution to the wider community. Pupils value the range of opportunities to broaden their horizons and extend their interests, such as through the school's work with the Junior Duke Award.

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

The school's curriculum is ambitious and well designed. In subjects such as art and science, leaders have clearly set out what pupils need to know and understand at each stage of their learning. The same high ambition is clear in the newly introduced geography and modern foreign languages curriculums.

These subjects are at an early stage of implementation and leaders recognise the importance of maintaining close and careful monitoring to ensure that all pupils learn and remember the subject knowledge that they need. In MFL, all pupils learn the same ambitious vocabulary in Years 3 and 4. They can then apply this learning further in later years.

However, in geography, older pupils do not have the opportunity to be introduced to some of the more ambitious subject concepts within the school's new curriculum that will prepare them well for Year 7 and beyond.

The school ensures that teachers have good subject knowledge and the ability to teach their subjects well. Teachers present curriculum content with clarity and pupils routinely revisit previous learning to reinforce their understanding.

The school swiftly identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils' needs are met well through effective academic and pastoral support. This enables all pupils to learn the curriculum successfully.

Staff help pupils to develop a love of reading. Children learn to read as soon as they start school. The phonics curriculum is taught consistently well.

This enables pupils to develop the knowledge and skills that they need to be confident, fluent readers.Pupils further extend their reading skills through the school's newly developed reading fluency programme. Pupils rise consistently to the high expectations set by adults.

They commit themselves to their learning and show wholly respectful attitudes towards adults and to each other. This contributes significantly to pupils' ability to learn and achieve. From the start, the school encourages pupils to reflect on their own behaviour and think about the rights of others.

This is further reflected through the school's commitment to the 'Rights Respecting Schools Award'.

The school's personal development curriculum is a strength. Leaders take every opportunity to help pupils understand themselves and the world around them.

Pupils learn about mental and physical health and about the importance of healthy relationships. They learn about democracy by electing pupil councillors to the school council, eco-council and 'Mini Vinnies' groups. This learning is cemented through their visits to the Houses of Parliament.

Pupils learn to demonstrate compassion and respect for others through the school's spiritual, moral, social and cultural curriculum. They make regular contributions to their local community by raising money for local causes and carrying out community litter picks.

There is a strong team spirit at St Cuthbert's School.

Staff feel well supported by leaders, governors and the trust. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities they receive and leaders' consideration for their workload and well-being. Staff are highly motivated and morale is high.

One staff member stated, 'There is a clear enjoyment to working in the school.' The trust and governing board provide appropriate support and challenge to all members of the school to help them continually improve. The school communicates effectively with parents to support pupils' education.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The implementation of the curriculum in some foundation subjects is at an early stage. The school should continue its work to check that all pupils learn the relevant knowledge and skills in these subjects to ensure that they are ready for the next stage of their learning.