Holy Evangelists' Primary School and Nursery Unit

Overview

Holy Evangelists’ Primary School and Nursery Unit is described as a large Catholic-maintained school with a "welcoming, safe and well-organised learning environment." The inspection highlights a "deeply embedded culture of care" and "inclusive practices" that support children with complex needs, including those with special educational needs and speech, language, and communication difficulties. The school’s vision, articulated through the THRIVE statement, is effectively lived out through strong relationships and high expectations.

Strengths

• "Robust and honest collaboration" underpins whole-school self-evaluation and planning, with governors making "high-level contributions" to strategic development.
• Numeracy planning is "consistent, comprehensive and detailed," with teachers using "skilful, open-ended questioning" to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Literacy is enhanced through a focus on "high-quality texts and shared reading," which effectively develops vocabulary and integrates reading, writing, and talking.
• There is a "shared, whole-school commitment to the children’s well-being," supported by therapeutic strategies, nurture classes, and the school therapy dog, Nancy.
• "Highly effective" parental engagement is maintained through daily communication apps and active partnership working, ensuring parents feel "listened to, informed and supported."

Areas to improve

• Disseminate and embed the most effective practice to ensure "consistency of high expectations for standards in learning and teaching across all classes."
• Ensure the "consistent use of measurable targets" and strengthen the voice of parents and children within Personal Learning Plans for pupils with special educational needs.
• Review and expand the breadth of the physical education curriculum to further promote physical health and emotional well-being.

Safeguarding

The report states that "arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance" and that policies are "robust, co-developed with children, and reviewed regularly."