The Rosary Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is an inclusive school where pupils feel happy. Pupils are proud to attend this school. They feel well supported and valued in a warm and caring environment.

Pupils enjoy learning and playing together, and everyone is made to feel welcome. Staff and pupils embody the school's values and ethos. Leaders have an ambitious vision for all pupils to achieve well.

There are positive relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils trust staff to help them with any problems they have. Adults have high expectations of pupils' behaviour.

Pupils respond well to this. Most pupils behave well in school. Staff support children, as they join the school, to quickly learn ...the school rules and routines.

Staff make sure pupils are kept safe here.

Leaders give pupils a wide range of experiences to help them develop both academically and personally. Pupils get the opportunity to develop their confidence and resilience through taking on different leadership positions, such as sports and healthy eating coordinators and members of the school council.

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

Leaders have carefully planned an ambitious curriculum. Pupils learn from a broad range of subjects, starting from early years. Activities are coherently planned, and leaders have thought about how pupils' knowledge will build over time.

Teachers plan sequences of lessons that break learning down into small steps. This helps pupils to remember what they have been taught. Teachers are skilful in using assessment to identify pupils who need support with certain subject content.

However, the curriculum is not consistently delivered. In some subjects, the tasks that teachers set do not match closely enough with what they intend pupils to learn. This means that, on occasion, pupils do not build securely on their prior knowledge and understanding.

Leaders make sure that reading is a priority for pupils, staff and parents. Teachers understand what support pupils need to become more fluent. They use every opportunity to broaden pupils' vocabulary.

Pupils enjoy using the school library and the book corners in classrooms. Leaders also help parents to understand how to support their child with reading. This approach is embedded effectively from the start of children's time in early years.

Adults focus heavily on developing children's early language and communication skills. As a result, weaker readers catch up quickly. Staff in early years support children to develop their concentration and perseverance.

This enables children to be enthusiastic about taking on challenges and working hard.

Leaders' approach to behaviour supports pupils in making the right choices. Staff provide carefully managed breaks for pupils who need it, to help them to focus and learn well.

They work closely with families to improve pupils' attendance.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged are well cared for. Pupils with SEND are well supported in class most of the time.

There are secure systems in place which identify which pupils have SEND. However, adaptions to the curriculum for some pupils with complex needs are not consistently clear. This means that, sometimes, teaching does not meet the needs of all pupils with SEND closely.

Leaders provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils. They learn about different religions and beliefs. Pupils have an exceptional understanding of diversity.

They know the distinctive characteristics which make people unique. Staff encourage pupils to develop respect for people's differences. This means that pupils show deep compassion for others and respect views which are different to their own.

The school prioritises developing pupils as young leaders. Pupils have many opportunities to develop independence, including raising funds for partner schools in Africa. Staff provide visits and activities to give pupils access to new and exciting experiences.

All pupils, including those with SEND, are supported to regularly take part in these. Pupils are taught about looking after their mental health and well-being.

Governors know the school well.

They provide support and appropriate challenge to school leaders when needed. Parents and carers speak highly of the school. Leaders provide purposeful and effective training for staff.

This includes early career teachers, who are supported to make a strong start in teaching. Staff are positive about the care and support they receive.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few subjects, teaching does not make sure that tasks match closely with the important knowledge that pupils need to learn. This limits pupils' recall of important knowledge. The school needs to ensure that the implementation of the curriculum is consistent in all subjects so that it builds securely on pupils' prior learning.

• On occasion, teaching does not make suitable adaptations for pupils with SEND who have complex needs. This limits these pupils' understanding of subject content. The school needs to ensure that teachers carefully select and adapt activities that meet pupils' needs more closely.

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