St Monica’s Roman Catholic Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2022. The school’s motto, “a small school where big things happen,” reflects its commitment to fostering high aspirations among its pupils. The curriculum is designed to support students in achieving their potential, with a strong emphasis on building knowledge across various subjects. The staff plays a crucial role in nurturing pupils' confidence and moral understanding, encouraging them to work hard and support one another in their learning journey.
Pupils enjoy a diverse range of creative and sports activities, with popular options including football and music lessons. The school regularly invites specialist teachers to enhance the educational experience, and students appreciate the opportunities to engage in singing and dancing. The school promotes a culture of open communication, where pupils feel safe to express their concerns, contributing to a supportive environment. Bullying is addressed promptly, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly.
The leadership team has effectively planned a broad curriculum that is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the needs and interests of the pupils. This approach ensures that students develop their knowledge progressively. The early years curriculum is particularly strong, preparing children well for their future education. In most subjects, teachers receive clear guidance on what to teach, and they generally implement this effectively. Support is provided for less experienced teachers to ensure that essential content is covered.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum planning is not as well developed, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. This can hinder their ability to build on what they have learned over time. The school recognizes the importance of revisiting key concepts to reinforce learning and is working to enhance its curriculum in these areas.
Reading instruction begins on the first day of school, with a well-structured phonics program that enables pupils to become proficient readers quickly. The school has invested in training for teachers and new reading materials, allowing students to practice their skills at home. The library offers a wide selection of books, encouraging pupils to explore various genres and expand their vocabulary.
The school also prioritizes the wider development of its pupils, with a curriculum that includes personal, social, health, and economic education. This prepares students for adult life and the responsibilities that come with it. Pupils are encouraged to take on roles within the school community, such as participating in the school council or assisting younger students during playtime.
The governing body is effective and supportive, maintaining high expectations for the school while ensuring that staff workload is manageable. Parents and carers appreciate the leadership's efforts to keep them informed and involved in their children's education.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety promoted throughout the school. Staff are trained to recognize and report potential risks, and the curriculum includes lessons on recognizing dangers and using the internet safely.
Overall, St Monica’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on both academic and personal development. The school is committed to addressing areas for improvement to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education.
