St Mary's RC Infants School

Overview

The report describes a school with a “nurturing, caring and supportive ethos” where pupils are “very happy” and “incredibly proud” of their achievements. Leaders have crafted an “ambitious and broad curriculum” that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, meet high expectations. The inspection highlights exceptional behaviour and a calm, orderly environment that contributes well to pupils’ achievement.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “exceptional” behaviour, knowing the school’s core principles “inside out” and showing respect and kindness.
• The curriculum is “highly ambitious,” with learning in each year group building well on previous knowledge, particularly in early years, music, and geography.
• Staff possess “strong subject knowledge” and are skilled at adapting teaching strategies so pupils with SEND access the same learning as their peers.
• Personal development is enriched through educational trips and charity work, teaching pupils to be “responsible global citizens.”
• Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders helping them maintain a “work–life balance” and supporting early-career teachers effectively.

Areas to improve

• Additional phonics support for some pupils in Years 1 and 2 is “not as effective as the school intends” because it lacks sufficient precision.
• The school must ensure these pupils consistently receive help focused on gaining the phonics knowledge needed to become “fluent, confident readers quickly.”

Safeguarding

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