St John and Monica Catholic Primary School in Birmingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The school’s mission statement is evident in its daily operations, fostering an environment where kindness, respect for differences, and inclusivity are paramount. New pupils, including those from diverse backgrounds, integrate smoothly into the school community, supported by staff who are attentive to their needs. The positive relationships between staff and pupils create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages students to thrive.
The curriculum at St John and Monica Catholic Primary School is broad and engaging, allowing pupils to develop knowledge across various subjects. Lessons are designed to be interesting, with outdoor learning in the school’s forest being a particular highlight. Pupils express enthusiasm when discussing collaborative projects, such as building dens and engaging in craft activities. The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which is evident in the orderly conduct observed throughout the school. Most pupils demonstrate excellent behavior, showing attentiveness in class and moving sensibly around the premises. While social interactions during lunchtime can be lively, overall, pupils enjoy their time at school.
The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, including sports, music, and arts, further enriching the pupils' educational experience. The curriculum effectively builds pupils' knowledge in core subjects, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Daily phonics instruction in Reception and Key Stage 1 is well-structured, with staff trained to support pupils in their reading development. However, some pupils struggle with blending sounds, which affects their reading fluency and independence. The school recognizes this challenge and aims to provide additional practice to enhance pupils' reading skills.
Mathematics instruction is strong, with pupils demonstrating a solid understanding of numbers and counting. The school emphasizes the recall of number facts and multiplication tables, which supports pupils' learning across the mathematics curriculum. The curriculum outlines what pupils should learn and the sequence of instruction, with regular assessments to monitor progress. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be more precise regarding essential knowledge, and some subjects may not build logically, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding.
The school effectively identifies pupils with additional needs and tailors its teaching to accommodate individual requirements. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same learning objectives as their peers, with staff providing necessary support. The school closely monitors progress to ensure that interventions are effective.
Pupils understand the importance of regular attendance and express enjoyment in their learning environment. They quickly adapt to school routines, and the overall atmosphere promotes a sense of pride in doing the right thing. The school’s approach to wider development is thoughtful, equipping pupils with essential life skills such as communication and problem-solving. Activities promoting physical and mental well-being, like yoga, are well-received.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in enhancing reading fluency for those who struggle and refining the curriculum to ensure logical progression in knowledge acquisition. The inspection highlighted the school’s strengths while also identifying areas for growth, ensuring that St John and Monica Catholic Primary School remains a supportive and effective educational institution.
