St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stockton

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Leaders and staff have created a welcoming and safe environment in the school. The school motto 'may Christ be seen in us' prevails through the life of the school. There is a strong sense of fairness and equality.

Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities so that they are prepared for the world beyond their school. Pupils show mutual kindness, genuine care and respect for each other. They say the best thing about their school is the people in it.

The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve. The school's ambitious curriculum reflects these high expectations. Pupils work hard in lessons and achieve well.

This is a calm and orderly schoo...l. Pupils' behaviour is exceptional. From an early age, pupils take responsibility for their own behaviour.

This contributes to the positive culture in which pupils work and play.

The school provides a range of opportunities for pupils beyond the curriculum. Pupils enjoy school.

They take part in a variety of clubs such as sport, chess and debating. They also contribute to the school and community through raising money for charity and supporting the local food bank.

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

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum for all.

The curriculum identifies the exact knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn. This starts in the early years and is sequenced carefully across school to Year 6. The curriculum prepares children for the next stage in their learning journey.

In some curriculum areas, the order in which subjects are taught does not enable pupils to learn as deeply as they could.

In the early years, there is a strong focus on early language and early number that prepares pupils for learning in Year 1. Teachers choose activities and resources that enable pupils to secure and extend their learning.

Children acquire the knowledge and skills that they need.

The school prioritises reading and has high expectations. The phonics programme starts in the early years and is taught with consistency.

All staff are trained in the delivery of phonics. Pupils read books using the sounds they know. Staff make regular checks on pupils' progression in reading.

Pupils who need help to catch-up with their reading receive it and benefit from it. There is a love of reading across the school. Leaders ensure that pupils read and hear stories daily.

Pupils talk enthusiastically about the books that they have read. Parents come into school to support reading during reading coffee mornings.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum as their peers wherever possible.

Support, adaptations and resources help pupils with SEND to learn alongside their peers. Leaders use advice from professionals to support pupils with SEND effectively.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

There is a positive culture around behaviour with a focus on 'catch them being good'. This is lived out in the daily life of the school. Pupils enjoy the rewards they receive and say these are always given fairly.

Pupils' attitudes to learning are positive in all lessons. Right from the start, in the early years, staff have established routines that children understand and follow. Pupils get on well with each other.

Respect is important to pupils. It comes through in their relationships with each other and with adults in school. Pupils are courteous and well-mannered across the school day.

Older pupils show care towards younger pupils.

Leaders give careful thought to pupils' personal development. Pupils learn important information about online safety, healthy lifestyles and how to keep themselves safe.

Pupils can attend 'pupil parliament' where they learn about democracy. A careers education programme helps pupils to learn about jobs for the future. Pupils are proud of the opportunities they have to help in their community, for example planting flowers, litter picking and singing in the local older people's home.

Pupils understand about equality and that it is important that everyone has the same rights as each other. Pupils have a strong understanding of difference and respect for diversity. They celebrate learning about different religions and cultures.

The trust, diocese and local governing body have a clear and consistent vision for the school. They perform their duties with rigour. The trust supports the continuous development of the school.

The school involves parents in life of the school. Staff enjoy working at the school. Leaders prioritise staff well-being and ensure that staff workload is manageable.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some foundation subjects, the curriculum is not routinely taught in a sequence that enables pupils to build deep knowledge. The school should work with teachers to improve the teaching of the curriculum in foundation subjects.