St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The executive headteacher has worked successfully with the school's leadership team to transform the quality of education at St Cuthbert's. As a result, this is now a good school and pupils are making strong progress in their learning.

The school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare is outstanding. Pupils are confident, they feel safe in school and they are extremely well cared for. Leaders have improved the support provided for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

These pupils are now making good progress from their various starting points. Pupils develop strong phonics skills. They appl...y them well to support their reading in all year groups.

As a result, most pupils develop into successful, competent readers. Middle leaders make a good contribution to school improvement. They make regular checks on pupils' work and they have a good understanding of the impact of teaching on pupils' learning.

The quality of teaching is typically good. However, pupils' progress is sometimes hindered by a lack of challenge. This holds some pupils back from attaining the higher standards.

Pupils' attendance rates are around the national averages. However, too many disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent from school. Leaders provide a broad, engaging and stimulating curriculum.

This helps pupils to develop skills, knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects in an exciting and meaningful way. Pupils' behaviour is good in lessons and at breaktimes. They have positive attitudes to their learning and take great care with their presentation and handwriting.

Disadvantaged pupils make strong progress in reading, writing and mathematics. As a result, the gap in attainment between them and other pupils nationally is diminishing. Children thrive in the early years.

Good teaching helps them to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding critical for success in Year 1. Governors are knowledgeable, effective and committed to the school. They provide robust challenge to school leaders in relation to pupils' progress and attainment.

The majority of parents and carers are supportive and positive about the school. They say that their children are safe and happy at school and making good progress.

Information about this school

St Cuthbert's is larger than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups who attend the school is broadly average, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. Since the previous inspection, there have been considerable staffing changes. The executive headteacher started at the school in September 2017.

The deputy headteacher took up his post in September 2018. Three newly qualified teachers started at the same time. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is well above the national average. There is a Nursery and one Reception class.

Children attend full time. The school provides a Catholic education for pupils between three and 11 years of age. This Catholic education provision was judged 'outstanding' at the school's most recent section 48 inspection, which took place in February 2016.

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