All Souls’ Catholic Primary School in Coventry has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils feel safe and supported. They describe the environment as family-like, with older students taking care of younger ones and fostering collaborative play during lunch breaks. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are calm, polite, and respectful, greeting adults warmly and adhering to the school’s rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. The relationships between staff and pupils are warm, creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, knowing that staff will address them promptly. Instances of bullying are rare, and the school celebrates good behavior and achievements through weekly assemblies.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents have expressed appreciation for the wide range of opportunities available to their children, including educational trips to places like Coventry Cathedral and a residential center in Wales. The curriculum is well-structured, with a clear focus on key knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary, which has positively impacted pupils' learning. However, some recent changes in a few subjects are still in the early stages of implementation, leading to minor gaps in knowledge.
In mathematics, the school has made significant improvements since the previous year, where pupils did not achieve as well as expected. Effective strategies have been introduced, such as using counters for younger children and revisiting prior learning regularly. This has resulted in better recall of mathematical facts and a more robust understanding of the curriculum.
The teaching methods employed at the school are effective in supporting pupil learning. In the early years, staff model and rephrase language to ensure comprehension, leading to strong achievements. Older pupils are given opportunities to discuss their answers with peers, which aids in their understanding and allows teachers to assess their knowledge effectively. While assessment practices are strong in most subjects, there are still areas where the school needs to enhance its understanding of pupil progress.
Reading is a priority at All Souls’, with a strong emphasis on developing skills from an early age. Children are encouraged to persevere with challenging tasks, and those who struggle with phonics receive additional support to help them catch up. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including guest readers and regular discussions about favorite authors, which contributes to pupils reading accurately and fluently.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs. Clear systems are in place to ensure that those requiring extra help receive it promptly. Staff training has equipped teachers to implement effective learning strategies for pupils with special educational needs, resulting in positive outcomes for these students.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with a variety of clubs and sporting competitions available to all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities within the school, such as being part of the eco-squad or serving as prefects. They also engage in charitable activities, which fosters a sense of community and citizenship.
The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for continued focus on embedding recent curriculum changes in a few foundation subjects to address gaps in knowledge. Additionally, the school should enhance its assessment practices in these subjects to better identify and address gaps in pupil understanding.
Overall, All Souls’ Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear commitment to improvement and high standards of learning. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address the areas identified for development, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
