St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Wimbledon, London, was inspected on December 7 and 8, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has a positive and nurturing environment built on mutual respect, where pupils enjoy attending. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, highlighting its supportive atmosphere. The school's mission statement, To be the best that we can be, is reflected in the staff's commitment to providing an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach ensures that all students achieve well.
Pupil behavior is exceptional, with staff effectively managing any off-task behavior. The school's golden rule of Kind words – great choices helps students make positive decisions. Bullying is reported to be extremely rare, and pupils feel confident that any incidents would be addressed promptly by staff. The curriculum is well-designed and sequenced in most subjects, allowing pupils to build knowledge and skills over time. For instance, Year 6 pupils apply previously learned ball skills in physical education when learning netball. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and employ engaging methods to reinforce learning, such as quizzes in mathematics that aid retention, particularly for pupils with special educational needs.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum lacks detailed planning, which can hinder pupils' understanding of prior learning and make it challenging for them to tackle more complex tasks. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, with teachers following a clear sequence that prepares most pupils for Year 1. Nevertheless, some weaker readers occasionally receive books that do not align with their phonics knowledge, affecting their reading fluency.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, contributing to a conducive learning environment. They take pride in their work and collaborate effectively, as seen in mathematics discussions where they solve problems together. The school enriches learning through trips to local attractions, such as the Imperial War Museum, and offers opportunities for participation in performances, which many pupils enjoy.
The school promotes active citizenship through roles like house captains and school council members, allowing pupils to initiate change and contribute to their community. The physical education curriculum and sports clubs are popular, with pupils understanding the importance of physical health and making healthy food choices. The school emphasizes well-being, providing support for pupils experiencing anxiety or mental health issues, which parents appreciate.
Staff express positive views about professional development and the support they receive from leaders, who prioritize staff well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear reporting systems and regular training for staff, ensuring they are confident in addressing concerns. Pupils feel safe and are educated on online safety through computing lessons.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all subjects are carefully planned and sequenced, breaking down learning into manageable steps. This will help pupils build sufficient knowledge and skills to tackle more challenging work. Additionally, leaders must ensure that weaker readers receive books that match their phonics knowledge to enhance their reading fluency. Overall, St Mary's Catholic Primary School provides a supportive and effective educational environment, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and achievement.
