St Mary’s Catholic Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have established an ethos of high expectations. Staff, pupils, parents and carers are passionate about the school and are determined for it to be the best it can be.

The senior leadership team has a clear plan for improvement. The leaders are providing professional development for staff to support school improvements across the school. The curriculum provides pupils with many opportunities to learn across all subjects.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is a strength and is at the heart of all the school does. Governors are ambitious for the school. They provide effective support for the new leadership team....r/>
Safeguarding arrangements are highly effective. The school's well-being team works tirelessly to ensure that pupils are cared for and safe. Pupils and parents understand the importance of regular attendance.

The well-being team provides support for families when attendance falls below the school's expectations. The proportions of pupils achieving the expected standard at the end of key stages 1 and 2 are similar to or above the national averages in reading, writing and mathematics. Teachers have high expectations of what pupils should achieve.

They use their secure subject knowledge to deepen and develop pupils' knowledge. Relationships between staff and pupils are very positive and contribute to an environment where pupils are confident to have a go even if they make mistakes. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They are polite, courteous and respectful of others. Pupils practise 'mindfulness' to help them understand their thoughts and emotions. Children in the early years are keen to learn new things.

Leaders have ensured that activities provide focus on developing children's characteristics of learning. Occasionally, teachers do not use their knowledge of what pupils can do carefully enough to set tasks that match their needs. Tasks can be too easy or too hard for a few pupils.

The use of teaching assistants is inconsistent. Sometimes they support the development of pupils' learning well. However, on occasion they are less active in supporting learners.

Middle leaders are keen to develop their subject or area; however, they have not had time to demonstrate their impact.

Information about this school

The headteacher, deputy headteacher and assistant headteacher are new to their roles from September 2018. This is a Roman Catholic school.

The last section 48 inspection took place on 1 April 2014. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium grant is below the national average.

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