St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in Walsall has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in December 2019. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils and parents feel part of a supportive community. Students express pride in their school, which encourages creativity and the development of their talents. The leadership team, staff, and governors maintain high expectations for pupil achievement and confidence, resulting in commendable academic performance by the time students graduate.
Parents appreciate the approachable nature of the staff and the care provided for their children. Feedback from Ofsted Parent View indicates that all responding parents would recommend the school to others. Pupil behavior is commendable, characterized by politeness and respect. In lessons, students listen attentively, and during break times, they engage in considerate play, sharing resources amicably. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and staff address any issues promptly and effectively.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including art, reading, music, and sports clubs, which are well-attended. Many pupils participate in sports competitions and enjoy performing at local events. The involvement of parents in their children's education is particularly evident in the Nursery and Reception Years, where initiatives like a spring reading challenge encourage family engagement. Changes in teaching methods have been implemented to enhance early years education, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, following a recognition that previous performance in these areas needed improvement.
Pupils across all ages demonstrate a love for reading, both at home and in school. They are encouraged to explore books that align with their interests, fostering a culture of reading. The phonics teaching is well-structured, enabling young learners to read confidently. However, some pupils struggle with comprehension, indicating a need for further support in understanding the material they read.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance in most subjects. While many students with SEND achieve well, there are areas, such as geography, where improvements are necessary. Some teachers do not consistently ensure that all pupils, particularly those with SEND, develop a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Lesson planning is thorough, with teachers considering pupils' prior knowledge and skills. In subjects like art and design technology, students learn techniques from various artists and apply them effectively. Mathematics is taught with care, linking new concepts to previous learning, although some of the most able pupils may not be sufficiently challenged.
Pupils' personal and social development is a strong aspect of the school's ethos. Participation in sports and musical activities helps students build teamwork skills, resilience, and self-confidence. The headteacher and leadership team work collaboratively, prioritizing staff well-being and workload management.
The school's safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to ensure pupil safety, including online safety. Pupils are educated on the importance of reporting concerns and protecting personal information. The governing body actively monitors safeguarding arrangements to ensure they remain current.
To enhance its educational offerings, the school needs to focus on improving comprehension skills in reading and refining the geography curriculum to better meet the needs of all pupils. Additionally, ensuring that the most able pupils in mathematics are adequately challenged will further strengthen the school's academic performance. Overall, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its students.
