Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where the mantra of ‘Christ at the centre, children at the heart’ is ‘securely lived out’. Leaders demonstrate ‘high ambition’ for all pupils, resulting in a positive environment where children are ‘safe, happy and enjoy coming to school’. The inspection highlights strong leadership and effective teaching, particularly in reading and mathematics, though some curriculum areas require further development.

Strengths

• Leaders have a ‘clear vision’ and ‘high expectations’ for the curriculum, with subjects like mathematics and geography ‘securely embedded’.
• Teachers ‘effectively adapt the curriculum’ to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they ‘achieve well’.
• Reading is prioritised with a ‘structured, planned sequence’; adults ‘accurately pronounce the sounds’ and swiftly identify those who struggle.
• Safeguarding arrangements are ‘effective’, with designated leads providing ‘exemplary support’ and ‘early identification’ of concerns.
• Pupils demonstrate ‘enthusiasm for being in school’ and are ‘caring, considerate and supportive of one another’.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must fill ‘gaps in pupils’ knowledge’ in foundation subjects where the new curriculum is not yet ‘fully embedded’.
• The early years outdoor learning environment is ‘uninviting’ and ‘not sufficiently developed’ to meet children’s needs for independent exploration and gross motor skills.
• Pupils’ ‘depth of knowledge of fundamental British values is less embedded’ and requires strengthening.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with ‘exemplary support’ for pupils and families and robust procedures for recruitment and training.