St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, located in Collier Row, Romford, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy learning and playing together, feeling both happy and safe. There is a strong culture of respect among students and between students and staff, contributing to a sense of pride in the school community. Leaders at the school are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils develop into well-rounded citizens, promoting understanding of various faiths and celebrating the school’s core values.
The curriculum is designed to provide a logical sequence of learning, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge as they progress through the years. For instance, Year 6 pupils revisiting concepts learned in Year 3 demonstrates this effective approach. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the development of the curriculum, indicating that further work is needed to ensure consistency across all subjects. Leaders have identified key areas for improvement and are actively working to enhance the curriculum.
In the classroom, pupils exhibit enthusiasm and are eager to participate, demonstrating good behavior both during lessons and throughout the school. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, school leaders address them promptly. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, although some clubs have been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. Leaders are keen to reinstate these activities as soon as possible.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively introduce new concepts. They provide additional support to pupils who require it, ensuring that all students can keep up with the curriculum. In the Reception classes, staff are particularly adept at helping children learn foundational skills, such as number formation, through clear explanations and hands-on practice. This approach allows even the youngest learners to receive tailored feedback and support.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with leaders and teachers implementing appropriate strategies to facilitate their learning. This support is regularly reviewed to ensure its effectiveness. The school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils into confident readers, with staff knowledgeable about early reading instruction. They celebrate students' successes, motivating them to improve. Staff are proactive in identifying pupils who may be falling behind and provide necessary interventions to help them catch up.
The school has established a clear behavior system that promotes positive conduct, and staff have implemented strong routines that maximize learning time. Personal, social, and health education, along with sex and relationships education, are integral parts of the curriculum, covering essential topics such as healthy relationships and democracy. Opportunities for personal development are abundant, including participation in school councils and charity fundraising.
Staff express pride in their work and feel well-supported by school leaders, who have taken steps to manage workload effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with clear systems in place for reporting concerns. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure pupil safety and are aware of local safeguarding risks.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the planning of the curriculum for some foundation subjects. Leaders are committed to ensuring clarity in what pupils should learn across all subjects. The pandemic has limited opportunities for some subject leaders to develop their expertise, highlighting the need for ongoing professional development. Overall, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
