St. Bernadette Catholic Primary School, located at 160 Long Lane, Hillingdon, Uxbridge UB10 0EH, has recently undergone an inspection on the 15th and 16th of November 2023. The outcome of this inspection confirms that the school continues to be classified as a good school. This article provides an in-depth look at what it is like to attend St. Bernadette's, the strengths of the school, areas for improvement, and additional relevant information.
St. Bernadette Catholic Primary School is characterized by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The school promotes a culture where pupils are encouraged to be positive role models, embodying values such as care, honesty, respect, inspiration, spirituality, and tolerance. This inclusive environment fosters pride among pupils, who feel a strong sense of belonging.
The school aims for every child to thrive, with leaders having designed a curriculum that offers a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experiences. High expectations for pupil behavior are set, and students generally adhere to these expectations, creating calm and conducive learning environments. Classrooms are described as quiet spaces where effective learning can take place.
Pupils express a sense of safety and confidence, knowing they can share any concerns with trusted adults. The school places a strong emphasis on well-being, with dedicated teams supporting pupils' mental health. Additionally, students are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school and eco councils, and they enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs like the school choir.
Strengths of the School
High Ambitions and Effective Curriculum
St. Bernadette's has high ambitions for its pupils, with a well-structured curriculum that positively impacts learning. Leaders have carefully sequenced the curriculum to ensure that pupils build on their existing knowledge. For instance, in physical education, students develop their ball-handling skills through competitive games, while early years education focuses on language and numeracy development.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding of key subject content, identifying misconceptions promptly. In mathematics, daily practice of essential skills, such as counting and times tables, enhances pupils' knowledge and abilities. The introduction of a new phonics scheme has also significantly improved reading skills, with staff trained to ensure consistency in teaching.
Support for Special Educational Needs
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff adapt their teaching methods to cater to these pupils, ensuring they can learn successfully alongside their peers.
Personal Development and Community Engagement
St. Bernadette's effectively plans for pupils' wider development, incorporating personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE) into the curriculum. This prepares students for future challenges, promoting responsible choices and community contributions. Educational visits, such as trips to the Battle of Britain bunker, further enrich the curriculum.
Supportive Governance and Staff Well-being
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, regularly visiting to assess the impact of actions taken. Staff members, including those new to the profession, feel valued and supported, with leaders prioritizing their workload and well-being.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. The use of assessment in some subjects is still developing, which can lead to gaps in understanding not being identified accurately. To enhance pupil readiness for future learning, the school must ensure that assessment practices are consistent across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding at St. Bernadette's are effective, ensuring that pupils' safety and well-being are prioritized.
Conclusion
St. Bernadette Catholic Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils. With a strong commitment to high standards, inclusivity, and personal development, the school is well-positioned to support its students in their academic and personal growth. As it addresses areas for improvement, St. Bernadette's remains a commendable choice for families in the Hillingdon area.
Additional Information
- Unique Reference Number: 102423
- Local Authority: Hillingdon
- Type of School: Primary
- School Category: Voluntary Aided
- Age Range of Pupils: 3 to 11
- Gender of Pupils: Mixed
- Number of Pupils on Roll: 446
- Chair of Governors: Dr. Francesca McCarthy
- Headteacher: Colette Acres
- Website: www.stbernadetteschool.co.uk
- Date of Previous Inspection: 27 February 2018
St. Bernadette Catholic Primary School exemplifies a strong educational foundation, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all its pupils.
