St Lawrence Catholic Primary School, located in Feltham, Middlesex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Parents express confidence in the school, likening it to leaving their children with family. The school fosters a sense of pride among its students regarding their facilities and community.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential and have access to a diverse range of opportunities. Teachers actively engage students in after-school clubs that include cooking, sewing, choir, and percussion, with every teacher participating in at least one club. Additionally, pupils are introduced to alternative sports such as table tennis and boccia, enhancing their physical education experience.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community. Initiatives like the Little Larries allow students to maintain the prayer garden, while others assist in sorting donations for local families. Each class has a digital ambassador who collaborates with the computing staff to promote safe technology use among peers.
Behaviour at St Lawrence is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and courtesy both in classrooms and during playtime. Instances of poor behaviour or bullying are rare, and students are well-informed about how such issues would be addressed if they arose.
The curriculum at St Lawrence is designed to facilitate logical learning progression, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a changing world. Curriculum plans are structured to allow pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding of key concepts. For example, in computing, students progress from inputting data in Year 2 to manipulating it with formulas by Year 4. In mathematics, early years focus on foundational counting skills, with structured opportunities for exploration of numbers.
Teachers receive support to enhance their subject knowledge, ensuring they understand how learning builds over time. However, many pupils learn English as an additional language, which can present challenges in vocabulary comprehension. Teachers actively check for understanding and provide additional support to help pupils catch up when necessary.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders work closely with external agencies to ensure timely assessments and appropriate support. The inclusion of speech and language therapists on staff has further strengthened the support available to these pupils.
Phonics instruction is a priority, with pupils beginning to learn sounds in Reception and applying this knowledge to reading early on. By the end of Year 2, all pupils are expected to read fluently. Recent investments in new reading materials have been made to support this goal, although some staff may require additional training in selecting appropriate texts for early readers.
Pupils engage positively in lessons, with low levels of disruption allowing for effective teaching across all subjects. The school promotes respect for diversity and teaches pupils about different religions and family structures, reinforcing its ethos of kindness and community support.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders and governors, particularly regarding their well-being and workload management. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupil safety. Pupils are educated about safety both in and out of school, including online safety.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need to ensure that all early readers are provided with books that closely match their phonics knowledge to build confidence and fluency. Overall, St Lawrence Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
