Much Woolton Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 11-12, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and find learning engaging. They are encouraged to read and participate in well-organized trips and events that enhance their educational experience. The school emphasizes the importance of safety and well-being, equipping students with strategies for leading healthy lives and promoting physical activity through various sports and activities.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school, feeling secure and supported by attentive staff. Instances of bullying are addressed effectively, and there is a strong culture of kindness among students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school community is actively involved in charitable efforts, demonstrating a commitment to helping others.
Leadership at Much Woolton Catholic Primary School is characterized by high expectations for student achievement across the curriculum. Most pupils perform well academically, and leaders are dedicated to enhancing the curriculum to facilitate even greater progress. The school has developed a rich curriculum that reflects the interests and strengths of its pupils, providing a wide range of experiences that extend beyond the classroom. This approach helps students cultivate positive self-images and a sense of responsibility.
The leadership team closely monitors the delivery of the curriculum, making necessary adjustments when pupils do not achieve as expected. For instance, changes have been made to the reading instruction to improve outcomes. The early years curriculum has also been strengthened, leading to better achievement among younger children.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly regarding the attendance of disadvantaged pupils, which remains below the national average. This impacts their learning opportunities. While there have been improvements in the attainment of disadvantaged pupils, they still do not perform as well as their peers in key subjects. Leaders are focused on addressing these issues to enhance attendance and overall achievement.
The school has made significant strides in improving the early years curriculum, which previously did not adequately prepare children for future learning. With support from the local authority, teachers have developed a better understanding of how to facilitate learning in the early years, resulting in improved outcomes for current Reception class students.
The reading curriculum has also been a focus, with leaders ensuring that pupils develop a strong foundation in phonics and a love for reading. Older students read fluently and accurately, and those who struggle receive appropriate support.
Overall, the curriculum across various subjects is well-structured and ambitious, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Teachers engage students in their learning, fostering positive attitudes that contribute to a conducive learning environment. While there is some variability in the quality of work across different year groups, the overall standard is good.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Staff are well-trained and responsive to safeguarding needs, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
In summary, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School is a good school with a strong leadership team, a rich curriculum, and a supportive environment for pupils. However, there is a need to continue improving attendance and achievement for disadvantaged pupils to ensure that all students reach their full potential.
