SS Mary & John Catholic Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school with a “warm, calm and welcoming atmosphere” where pupils feel it is a “sanctuary.” Leaders have established a “broad, ambitious and well-considered curriculum” that supports high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The inspection found that the school provides effective safeguarding and promotes strong personal development, though some curriculum areas require greater detail.

Strengths

• Reading is a key priority, with a “consistent approach to the teaching of phonics” ensuring pupils become “fluent and enthusiastic readers.”
• Pupils with SEND “flourish” due to quick identification of needs and “ambitious, achievable targets” set by leaders.
• Behaviour is positive, with pupils being “polite and courteous” and demonstrating respect; bullying is “not tolerated.”
• Staff have “high expectations” of pupils, helping them become “confident, resilient learners.”
• Governors and trustees “provide effective support and challenge to leaders,” while staff well-being is considered.

Areas to improve

• In a “small number of subjects,” leaders have not provided teachers with “sufficient detail as to what pupils should learn,” limiting achievement.
• Some subject leaders lack a clear picture of their subject’s strengths and development areas, meaning they are unsure “what is working well.”
• Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough, causing them to “miss important learning.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “positive culture of safeguarding” where staff receive regular training and act promptly on concerns.