St Edward's Catholic Primary School

Overview

The report states that pupils “enjoy coming to school and feel safe here,” within an “inclusive culture based on the school’s values.” Leaders have designed a “broad curriculum” with high expectations for behaviour, resulting in a positive environment where bullying is rare and staff deal with issues quickly.

Strengths

• Teachers use subject knowledge to “explain things clearly” and check learning to address misconceptions.
• Leaders have “prioritised reading,” with staff demonstrating a “love of reading” and phonics starting in Reception.
• Pupils benefit from “many wider opportunities,” including class visits, sports clubs, and citizenship actions like improving recycling.
• Staff feel “well supported by leaders with their workload,” and governors “hold leaders to account.”
• The early years provision is “vibrant and purposeful,” encouraging children to express emotions in words.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must define “small steps of knowledge” for pupils with complex needs to secure curriculum progression in a few subjects.
• Leaders should ensure reading books and additional support are “precisely matched to pupils’ needs” for lower-attaining readers to enable rapid progress.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff know how to report concerns and pupils know they can seek help.