St James' Catholic Primary School, Hebburn

Overview

St James’ Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “close-knit and friendly school” where pupils are “kind and caring” and staff hold “high expectations for pupils’ academic success.” Despite significant challenges, including a near-year closure due to building safety issues, the school continues to provide a broad education and strong pastoral care.

Strengths

• Pupils are “proud of what they achieve” and benefit from “many leadership opportunities” such as curriculum ambassadors and reading buddies.
• The curriculum is “creative and ambitious,” offering a “broad and balanced education” that helps pupils “think creatively.”
• Staff “know pupils and their families well,” ensuring children “feel safe” and have trusted adults to speak to.
• Reading provision is strong; pupils learn sounds well and receive timely support if they “fall behind.”
• Governors provide “appropriate challenge and support,” and staff benefit from “ongoing training and development.”

Areas to improve

• Curriculum implementation is “variable across the school,” with staff not always adapting learning well for all pupils, particularly those with SEND.
• Some staff do not consistently check pupils’ understanding before moving on, leading to “gaps in knowledge and skills” for some younger pupils.
• The school must continue working to achieve its “ambitious targets for attendance,” as there is “more to do” in this area.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”