St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has been rated as good in its recent inspection, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which required improvement. The school provides a calm and supportive environment where pupils feel happy and secure. They appreciate the strong sense of community, with one pupil noting that everyone supports each other during difficult times. The school prioritizes teaching reading, writing, and mathematics, and many pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well in these areas. The curriculum is well-structured, particularly in computing, and pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, enhancing their creative and sporting skills.
Pupils benefit from special trips and events that reinforce their learning and help them retain essential information. The school has a positive approach to behavior management, with bullying being rare and effectively addressed by staff. Pupils demonstrate sensible behavior, actively participating in lessons and showing politeness towards visitors. The school’s leadership and staff have successfully adapted the curriculum to ensure that pupils build their knowledge logically, particularly in mathematics and physical education. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in geography and science, where some units lack detailed planning.
Reading is central to the school’s curriculum, with staff using high-quality literature to inspire pupils. This focus on reading continues throughout the school, with parents noting their children’s enthusiasm for books. However, there is a need for better alignment between reading materials and pupils’ phonics knowledge to ensure that they practice reading at an appropriate level. The school encourages pupils to aspire to various careers, providing opportunities to meet professionals and understand the importance of their skills in future endeavors.
Leadership at St Clare’s is strong, with a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Staff receive ample training, and their workload is managed effectively. The school environment is enriched with displays of pupils’ work, which are used to support the curriculum. Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the headteacher’s leadership, noting significant progress since her appointment.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Leaders and staff are proactive in addressing potential risks and have established strong links with external agencies. Pupils are aware of how to seek help and understand the importance of online safety. The school is recognized as a reassuring place for learning, with pupils feeling secure in their environment.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that reading materials are better matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge, allowing for greater success in reading. Additionally, staff should enhance the planning of geography and science units to ensure that all necessary knowledge is covered effectively. Overall, St Clare’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a love of learning, and supporting the personal development of its pupils.
