St Leo’s and Southmead Catholic Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school is committed to fostering an environment where pupils, including those in the early years, can thrive as happy, resilient, and successful learners. Pupils are welcoming and engage confidently with visitors, showcasing their school with pride. They demonstrate kindness towards one another, and older students serve as positive role models for younger children.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. They have developed an ambitious curriculum that is effectively delivered by the staff, enabling all pupils to achieve well. The school has established clear standards of behavior, and incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively. The environment is calm and orderly, contributing to a sense of safety and happiness among pupils, who describe their school as friendly and inclusive. Parents express high regard for the school.
Pupils benefit from a variety of clubs and educational visits, and they are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as maintaining the nursery construction site and participating in the pupil leadership team. The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning logically, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Teachers are well-trained to deliver the curriculum as intended, and they effectively use assessment strategies to monitor pupil understanding. However, there are instances in some subjects where assessment could be improved to better gauge pupil retention of previously taught material.
In the early years, children enjoy engaging with stories and songs, and they are eager to learn outdoors. The curriculum prepares them well for the transition to key stage one. Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction beginning in nursery. The school has invested in a new phonics program, and staff receive regular training to ensure effective delivery. While most pupils are supported in their reading, some weaker readers are not progressing as quickly as they could, which affects their access to other areas of the curriculum.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in class and during playtime, displaying a mature attitude towards learning. Attendance is a focus for leaders, who are working to improve rates for some pupils who miss important learning opportunities. The school is proactive in identifying pupils with additional needs, and teachers are trained to implement appropriate strategies to support these students, allowing them to access the full curriculum alongside their peers.
Leaders are dedicated to providing a range of experiences beyond the classroom, including residential trips and visits to cultural sites. Pupils and parents appreciate these opportunities, and there are various clubs available, such as chess and sports. The personal development program teaches pupils about maintaining physical and emotional health, and they learn about potential career paths through visitor presentations.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school’s priorities and support staff well-being, working to reduce their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture established within the school. Staff are regularly trained to recognize signs of potential harm, and they collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and families. Pupils are educated on safety, including the risks associated with smoking and online behavior.
To improve, the school must focus on increasing attendance rates for some pupils and ensuring that all staff receive the necessary guidance to support struggling readers effectively. Additionally, leaders should enhance assessment strategies across all subjects to better identify and address gaps in pupil learning.
