St Monica’s RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Children develop a love of learning from a young age in the early years where they can explore and find out things for themselves. They achieve well.

By the time they leave Year 6, most pupils attain above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils with special educational needs and those supported by extra funding make good progress owing to high-quality support. The quality of teaching is good and some is outstanding.

Teachers and teaching assistants work well together to plan activities for pupils. Pupils behave well and are keen to learn. They say they feel very safe in school and learn how to keep safe elsewher...e.

The school is well led by the headteacher, deputy headteacher and governors. All staff share their vision for bringing out the best in pupils' personal development and academic achievement. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.

Pupils make a positive contribution to the local community and are aware of national and global issues. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching is not yet strong enough in all classes to ensure that the most able pupils make outstanding progress. Marking does not always make it clear to pupils how to make their work better or allow pupils to act on advice given.

Some senior leaders are new to the role and at an early stage of developing their areas of responsibility.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage.

Early years provision is available through both part-time and full-time places. The proportion of pupils supported by school action, school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is lower than the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are eligible for support through the pupil premium funding is very low compared to the national average.

The pupil premium is funding to support pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress at the end of Year 6. Since the previous inspection, there have been changes in school leadership, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, governors and staff.