St. Mary's Blackbrook Catholic Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where “pupils are happy” and feel safe, benefiting from “high-quality emotional support” and staff who “care for them well.” Leaders have designed a “well-thought-out curriculum” that builds knowledge logically, resulting in pupils who are “respectful,” “attentive,” and proud of their school community.

Strengths

• Pupils receive effective support for their individual needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them to “achieve well.”
• The curriculum in many subjects is “well established,” with teachers introducing knowledge in a “logical way” and checking retention effectively.
• Staff deliver a “well-established phonics programme consistently well,” ensuring pupils who fall behind receive “effective support to catch up quickly.”
• Pupils are “caring” and “responsible and active citizens,” engaging deeply with topical issues and taking on leadership roles.
• Governors provide “informed challenge and support,” and staff, including new teachers, “feel valued” and enjoy being part of the team.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, assessment approaches are at an “earlier stage,” meaning teachers’ checks on pupil knowledge are “not as effective” as in other subjects.
• Leaders should provide teachers with “suitable guidance” to design learning that builds securely on what pupils already know, addressing uneven learning in these areas.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders ensuring staff are “well trained,” “vigilant,” and diligent in following up concerns to keep pupils safe.