St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Walsall has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 16 and 17, 2021. The school is well-led, and pupils express enjoyment in attending. Staff members are supportive and encourage hard work among students. In the classroom, pupils demonstrate good behavior and attentiveness, while they also engage positively with their peers during outdoor activities. The school provides a nurturing environment, including a special room where pupils can relax and discuss any concerns they may have.
The teaching of reading is particularly strong, with staff regularly reading aloud to students and ensuring access to a variety of quality books for independent reading. While most subjects are taught effectively, there is room for improvement in music education. In history, the curriculum is overly broad, which can hinder pupils from grasping essential concepts in depth.
The school’s values are evident in its commitment to fostering respect and responsibility among pupils. Bullying is not tolerated, and students of all ages learn to treat others with kindness. The school community prioritizes safety, with staff working collaboratively to support pupils who require additional help with their learning. This support is well-managed, ensuring that pupils do not miss out on other educational opportunities.
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School is a safe and welcoming environment for learning and play. The leadership team is strong and informed, fostering a supportive atmosphere where all members of the school community feel valued. In the Nursery, staff effectively help children settle in and develop their speaking and listening skills, which lays a solid foundation for reading in Reception and beyond. The phonics and early reading programs are well-structured and closely monitored to ensure progress.
In Key Stage 2, pupils who need extra reading support receive additional help using the same resources and methods as their peers. The practice of reading aloud to classes is consistent across the school, introducing students to new authors and enhancing their listening skills and imagination. However, attention to handwriting needs improvement, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The school should focus on developing good posture and proper letter formation from the outset of writing instruction.
Mathematics instruction is effective due to a cohesive whole-school approach supported by training and resources. While most lessons build on prior knowledge, there are instances where resources do not fully meet pupils' needs. Changes are being made in other subjects, such as art, where planning has improved to ensure lessons build on previous learning. However, history still requires attention to ensure depth of understanding.
The school’s values guide its operations, promoting stewardship and human dignity. Teachers maintain high expectations for behavior, resulting in smooth-running lessons. Instances of poor behavior are managed effectively. Pupils with special educational needs are fully included in lessons and benefit from targeted support sessions, which help them feel confident in their achievements.
St Patrick's offers a variety of after-school sports clubs and plans to resume school trips, including a residential visit. The governing body and senior leaders provide strong guidance for ongoing improvement, ensuring that staff workloads are manageable while maintaining high expectations.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns. The school conducts all necessary checks on employees and visitors, ensuring a safe environment for all. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are specific subjects and practices that require further development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
