Our Lady and St Swithin’s Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2023. The school provides a positive and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders have thoughtfully designed calming multi-sensory corridors that enhance the school atmosphere, featuring relaxing music and soothing scents. During break and lunchtime, pupils engage in a variety of well-organized activities that foster positive relationships among them. The school also promotes well-being through initiatives like ‘Well-being Wednesday,’ which encourages exercise and mental health awareness.
The leadership team maintains high expectations for pupil achievement and behavior, including for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Most pupils achieve well across various subjects, and the majority demonstrate good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. The school effectively addresses behavioral issues and bullying, providing support for pupils who need help managing their emotions. Pupils appreciate their relationships with teachers and enjoy unique rewards, such as hot chocolate and special breakfasts, as well as participating in local sports competitions. They are also involved in horticulture projects, such as planting fruit trees to create an orchard.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious in most subjects, with leaders clearly identifying the knowledge pupils should acquire and the order in which it should be taught. However, the curriculum for pupils in the specially resourced provision for SEND is not sufficiently ambitious and does not adequately meet their academic needs. While most pupils achieve well, those in the specially resourced provision do not experience the same level of success.
Teachers generally possess good subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum as intended. However, some do not effectively use assessment strategies to adapt their teaching or to identify when pupils require additional support. This can lead to pupils starting independent tasks before fully understanding the material, resulting in repeated errors and misconceptions.
Reading is a strong focus at the school, with initiatives like book vending machines and a phonics program that begins in the Reception Year. Teachers are well-trained to deliver phonics instruction effectively, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support to become confident readers. Early years education is well-organized, helping children develop positive learning behaviors.
Leaders ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND are identified and met appropriately, although there are instances where teachers do not sufficiently adapt their teaching for these pupils. Some staff and parents have expressed concerns about the leadership's responsiveness to their views and the consideration of staff workload and well-being.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to recognize and report safety concerns. The curriculum also educates pupils on staying safe in various contexts, including online.
To improve, leaders need to ensure that the curriculum for pupils with SEND is ambitious and meets their needs. Additionally, staff should be equipped to use assessment strategies effectively to support pupil learning. Engaging more with parents and staff to address concerns and improve partnerships is also essential for fostering a positive school community. Overall, Our Lady and St Swithin’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with areas identified for further development.
