St John’s Roman Catholic Primary School is recognized as a good school, continuing to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils. The recent inspection highlighted that students enjoy attending school and appreciate the high expectations set by their teachers. Learning is described as enjoyable, with teachers effectively identifying when students require assistance. Pupils take pride in their work, particularly evident in their science projects, although there is room for improvement in their art skills, as older students have noted areas for enhancement in their artwork.
The school offers a diverse range of trips that complement the curriculum, with parents affirming that these experiences enrich learning beyond the classroom. Visits to museums and concerts at the Albert Hall are among the activities that pupils value. Behavior in the school is commendable, with students displaying politeness and respect towards one another. The ethos of ‘Love and Serve’ is apparent in the strong relationships between pupils and staff, contributing to a sense of community that parents describe as a happy family environment.
Pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and they feel confident in approaching adults if they encounter any issues, knowing that their concerns will be addressed fairly. The school’s leadership has effectively developed subjects, particularly in science, where pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of concepts. For instance, Year 1 students are acquiring secure skills in science, and Year 2 pupils can recall previous learning about materials. However, the art curriculum requires further development, and recent staff training aims to enhance teachers' planning and delivery of art skills.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with frequent use of the local library and an increase in participation in the summer reading challenge. The teaching of early reading skills is robust, enabling many pupils to meet expected standards. Additional support is provided to those who fall behind, ensuring they can catch up with their peers. Leaders have addressed previous concerns regarding the alignment of reading materials with the phonics taught, resulting in improved fluency among pupils.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, benefiting from well-structured activities that develop their reading and numeracy skills. Teachers engage children through tasks linked to stories and physical development, fostering essential skills from an early age. The leadership team has mapped out science skills across year groups, ensuring a logical progression in teaching scientific concepts.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting learning activities to ensure accessibility and ambition. Staff workload is considered, with measures in place to reduce unnecessary meetings, allowing teachers to focus on preparing resources for their students.
While the school has made strides in improving the sequencing of learning in various subjects, further development is needed in art. Leaders are actively addressing this through high-quality training and resources to enhance teachers' subject knowledge in art.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John’s are effective, with well-maintained records and regular reviews of staff suitability checks. Staff training is current, equipping them to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils. The school promotes e-safety awareness among pupils and parents, ensuring that students understand how to navigate online risks safely.
Overall, St John’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in all areas of education.
