St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Ealing, London, underwent an inspection on June 15 and 16, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school is described as a happy place with a family atmosphere, where leaders are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils receive a good education. Pupils develop secure knowledge across various subjects and learn to be respectful, friendly, and kind from an early age. They build trusting relationships with adults and feel cared for, knowing that staff will support them with any concerns. The school effectively addresses any instances of bullying, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Pupils take pride in their responsibilities and actively contribute to the community. The democratically elected pupil council organizes charity votes, and students engage in fundraising efforts. Older pupils often read to younger children and volunteer as librarians, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, noting that their children thrive under the leadership and care provided by the staff, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leaders have ambitious goals for all pupils to achieve well across a broad curriculum. They have meticulously planned the knowledge building blocks from early years onward, ensuring that staff have the necessary resources to deliver the curriculum effectively. Pupils successfully acquire knowledge and skills, and leaders are aware of the areas needing improvement to enhance the curriculum further.
Reading is a top priority, with staff teaching children to read as soon as they enter the early years. Regular training equips staff with the expertise to teach reading effectively, and they monitor pupils' progress closely. Those who struggle, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive tailored support to help them catch up. The school encourages reading at home and provides workshops for parents to assist them in supporting their children's reading development.
While the school has revised its reading program for older pupils, some still require additional support with phonics, particularly those who are new to English. Leaders plan to enhance their approach by providing further phonics training for staff. Teachers have received training to effectively impart new knowledge across subjects, and assessment practices are utilized to identify and address gaps in pupils' understanding. However, a few teachers lack secure subject knowledge in certain areas, which can affect their confidence and the depth of knowledge pupils gain.
Leaders have established systems to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the same knowledge as their peers. However, when teachers lack confidence in specific subjects, the effectiveness of support for these pupils may be diminished.
Children in the early years are eager to learn and demonstrate positive behaviors that contribute to their knowledge acquisition. The school emphasizes teaching about diversity and respect, underpinned by its faith-based values. High-quality pastoral support is provided, including mental health resources, and pupils participate in various sports, promoting physical health and teamwork.
Governors are actively involved in the school's operations, providing support and challenge to leaders. They prioritize staff well-being and seek ways to reduce workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who are vigilant in identifying and addressing risks to pupils' safety and welfare. Overall, St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
