St Thomas More Catholic First School

Overview

Pupils “flourish” at this inclusive and welcoming school, which is described as being “at the centre of the community.” The report highlights a “calm and purposeful environment” where pupils are polite, well-mannered, and eager to learn. Leaders have designed a broad curriculum that successfully builds foundational knowledge in core subjects, resulting in improved outcomes and high levels of pupil confidence.

Strengths

• The personal development offer is of an “exceptionally high quality,” with pupils valuing the wide range of extra-curricular clubs that enhance their well-being and character.
• Early years provision is outstanding; children “get off to a flying start,” settling quickly and developing independence through well-designed activities that challenge their thinking.
• Reading is “at the heart of the curriculum,” with a consistent approach to phonics teaching that ensures pupils gain fluency and a “passion for reading.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well, making strong progress and participating fully in all aspects of school life in this “very inclusive school.”
• Staff feel “well supported” by leaders and the trust, while parents are “very positive” about the school and the rapid improvements made.

Areas to improve

• In some wider curriculum subjects, the school has not yet fully identified the “essential knowledge that pupils need to learn and by when,” preventing pupils from gaining the depth of understanding required to make connections with prior learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.