St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school is ambitious in its expectations for all pupils to achieve well. Leaders make informed curriculum choices to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils. Leaders provide a curriculum which prepares pupils for the next steps in their education.

Pupils have a positive attitude to their learning and are keen to share their learning. They are excited about school life and proud of their school.

Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour throughout the school.

Pupils receive a strong start in the early years. They quickly understand the routines and expectations. The school values thread through school life.

Pupils show their respect f...or each other; they understand and value their differences. They feel safe at school, and know that all adults would help them if they had any worries.

The school provides exceptional opportunities for pupils' personal development.

Through the curriculum and wider activities, the school supports pupils' preparation for life skills. Pupils demonstrate a mature understanding of other people's beliefs and choices. A wealth of pupil leadership roles enable pupils to develop confidence and resilience.

The school council works with leaders to ensure that pupils' ideas are heard. Pupils are proud to make a positive impact on their school and local community.

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

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum which considers the key knowledge, skills and vocabulary they want pupils to know.

Leaders sequence learning into small steps so pupils can build on prior knowledge. Leaders are responsive to pupils' learning needs. They adapt the curriculum to support all pupils to access subject content successfully.

This includes for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The early years provides strong foundation knowledge and skills to prepare children for future learning. Carefully planned activities enable children to practise their learning independently.

For instance, children in Reception class used provided props to enact their class story.

Well-planned professional development ensures that all staff deliver the curriculum consistently highly. Strong subject knowledge enables teachers to support and challenge pupils and address misconceptions.

Teachers continually check pupils' understanding and provide the right support. Pupils with SEND receive expert support to access the curriculum because staff identify their needs closely. Teachers adapt the learning through targeted support or adapted resources.

For example, in Year 3, pupils used practical equipment to help them compare fractions.

Pupils' outcomes for writing have been low. Leaders have moved quickly to identify barriers to pupils' writing skills.

This includes greater clarity in how writing is taught. Leaders identify the small steps required in pupils' writing development. As a result, pupils produce writing of a high quality.

This includes in early years, where children have strong handwriting skills. Pupils, including those with SEND, take pride in their work and write to a high standard across the school.

Language and communication are a high priority and develop very strongly in the early years.

Teachers ensure that they practise the use of key vocabulary in all lessons. For example, in Year 1, pupils used subject-specific words to explain colour mixing. All pupils learn to read through a consistently delivered phonics programme.

They practise reading with books matched to their level of phonics knowledge. A love of reading develops throughout the school. Ambitious texts support pupils' curriculum understanding and writing skills.

Pupil librarians present the Book of the Month in assembly, encouraging everyone to read.

Behaviour is calm and positive throughout the school. Clear systems are in place to support positive behaviour and pupils know the school rules.

Pupils focus on their learning because they want to learn and are excited by the lessons. The school knows its families and pupils well and provides support to ensure high levels of attendance. Pupils learn about the importance of positive mental and physical health.

They are taught to understand and regulate their emotions.

The school plans a wide range of trips and speakers to enhance pupils' curriculum learning. For instance, pupils experience a programme to develop financial understanding.

Gender workplace stereotypes are challenged during Careers Week and future aspirations given to pupils. A wide variety of clubs are available to all pupils and leaders ensure that pupils experience many opportunities. Pupils are proud to represent their school in sporting tournaments.

Leaders and trustees are reflective and continually strive to enhance pupils' education. Decisions are informed by robust research and then considered in relation to the school's context and needs. There is a clear strategic vision and leaders ensure that staff receive the training and support to fulfil this.

Staff value the support and the collaborative team approach. They are proud of their school community.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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