Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School

Overview

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School continues to be a good school, providing a "caring and welcoming community" where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and academic achievement, ensuring that pupils from Reception to Year 4 receive a curriculum that builds secure knowledge foundations for their future education.

Strengths

• The curriculum is carefully designed so that pupils "know more and remember more over time," with effective strategies like 'flashback' activities in mathematics to reinforce previous learning.
• Phonics teaching is strong, ensuring that "almost all pupils become fluent readers by the end of Year 2," with effective support provided for those who struggle.
• Staff identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well, keeping precise records and ensuring these pupils access the same curriculum as their peers.
• Pupils behave well, respect staff, and collaborate effectively in lessons, while leaders successfully promote the enjoyment of reading through a wealth of texts.
• Governors are "knowledgeable and committed," providing effective challenge and support to leaders, while the multi-academy company contributes effectively to educational quality.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, approaches to teaching and assessment are still being developed, meaning gaps in pupils’ learning are not always identified and addressed promptly.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and clear duties of care, while leaders quickly follow up concerns and work well with external agencies.