Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Primary School in Wavertree, Liverpool, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on April 24 and 25, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in September 2018. The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe and happy, supported by caring relationships between staff and students. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and strive to meet the high expectations set by the school, resulting in commendable achievements, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school has established clear rules and values that pupils understand and follow, fostering a respectful and calm environment. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as computing and art clubs, as well as sports tournaments, provide opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and develop their talents. The school emphasizes the importance of reading from an early age, with a well-structured phonics program that supports pupils in becoming confident readers by the time they reach key stage two.
The curriculum is ambitious and engaging, with a clear identification of the knowledge pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. However, in a small number of subjects, the steps of learning are not as clearly defined, which can hinder the effectiveness of teaching. The school is committed to enhancing staff subject knowledge, enabling teachers to present new concepts clearly and address misconceptions promptly. The identification of additional needs among pupils is effective, and staff receive training to adapt the curriculum to meet these needs, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the full curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, quickly learning the routines and expectations set by the school. They are polite, well-mannered, and actively engage in lessons. The school places a strong emphasis on attendance, recognizing its importance for learning. Support is provided to families of pupils with lower attendance to encourage improvement, which has shown positive results.
The personal development of pupils is well fostered, with lessons on physical and mental health, as well as opportunities for leadership roles such as prefects and school councillors. The school community values these responsibilities, which help prepare pupils for future challenges. Governors are actively involved in the school, holding it accountable for the quality of education provided. Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support and time allocated for additional tasks, which positively impacts their workload and well-being.
Parents and carers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the school, describing it as a family-oriented environment. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is part of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and has a clear plan for continuous improvement, focusing on refining the curriculum to ensure that all subjects are well-structured and sequenced for optimal learning. Overall, Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while maintaining high academic standards.
