St John Vianney RC School

Overview

St John Vianney School continues to be a good school, providing a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have designed a broad curriculum that meets the special educational needs of all pupils, enabling many to gain nationally recognised qualifications and prepare effectively for adulthood.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "broad and exciting," offering diverse options such as photography and horticulture that allow pupils to "broaden their learning."
• Staff have "high expectations" and know every pupil well, fostering a culture where "respect and equality are core values."
• Reading is a clear priority, with "dedicated time each day" and strong phonics support ensuring pupils become "confident, fluent readers."
• Personal development is highly valued, with pupils learning practical life skills like managing money and using public transport to prepare for independence.
• Behaviour management is consistent, resulting in "very little low-level disruption" as pupils learn to regulate their own emotions.

Areas to improve

• Some teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively, which hinders their ability to select the best activities to help pupils build on existing knowledge. Leaders should ensure staff have the necessary skills to check on pupils’ learning accurately.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are quick to notice concerns and take effective action to keep pupils safe.