La Salette Catholic Primary School in Rainham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school is committed to fostering an environment where pupils are encouraged to be ambitious in their learning. This positive atmosphere is reflected in the pupils' eagerness to engage in discussions about their work and the literature they are exploring. The school effectively builds pupils' knowledge across various subjects, ensuring that they develop a strong understanding of the curriculum.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a focus on managing their own feelings and actions. They demonstrate respect towards their peers and staff, contributing to a supportive learning environment. The school has established a clear stance against bullying, with pupils reporting that it is infrequent and that they feel comfortable approaching adults if they have concerns. The leadership team is proactive in addressing any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy at school.
La Salette Catholic Primary School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports and educational trips to art galleries, museums, and nature reserves. These experiences are designed to broaden pupils' perspectives and enhance their learning outside the classroom. The school places a strong emphasis on physical education, with many pupils particularly enjoying football.
The curriculum at La Salette is broad and ambitious, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. Leaders have made significant efforts to refine the curriculum, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some subjects, such as history, have been identified as areas needing improvement, particularly in helping pupils connect prior knowledge with new content. Teachers are skilled in breaking down complex ideas into manageable segments, ensuring that pupils can grasp essential concepts before advancing.
Reading instruction is a priority at the school, with a focus on early reading skills. Staff are well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading abilities, although there are instances where some staff may require additional support to deliver the new reading program effectively. Storytelling is an integral part of the school day, with engaging narratives that captivate pupils and foster a love for reading.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the full curriculum. Leaders work closely with parents and external agencies to safeguard these pupils and provide tailored assistance.
The governing body plays a vital role in supporting and challenging school leaders, sharing a common vision for high expectations. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school's communication and the support provided by staff. The school maintains a strong safeguarding culture, with effective measures in place to protect pupils and educate them about safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to provide ongoing support to staff in delivering the early reading program and to enhance the curriculum in subjects like history and geography to ensure pupils can recall and apply their knowledge effectively. Overall, La Salette Catholic Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
