Thatto Heath Community Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 24 and 25 October 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in September 2018. The school is committed to fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel ready, respectful, and safe. Students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, report feeling happy and secure, highlighting the strong relationships they have with staff.
The school has high expectations for pupil achievement, and students work diligently across various subjects, resulting in commendable academic performance. Pupils exhibit friendliness and respect towards both adults and peers, and instances of disruption in learning are rare. When behavioral issues arise, pupils trust that staff will address them promptly. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for sewing and rugby, as well as opportunities for musical education, such as learning brass instruments and participating in choir performances at local venues. These experiences contribute to the personal development of pupils, who also take pride in their roles as eco councillors, mini-police officers, and librarians.
The curriculum at Thatto Heath is broad, balanced, and ambitious, designed to prepare pupils effectively for their educational journey. The school has identified key knowledge that pupils should acquire and has structured the delivery of this knowledge logically. This well-designed curriculum ensures that children in early years are ready for Year 1, and pupils in key stage 2 are well-prepared for secondary education. Ongoing staff training is prioritized, equipping teachers with the necessary subject knowledge and confidence to deliver the curriculum effectively. Most subjects benefit from robust assessment systems that help identify and address gaps in learning, although some subjects require further development in this area.
The school has successfully instilled a love of reading among its pupils, with regular visits to the local library and designated reading areas in classrooms. The phonics program is well-implemented, enabling most pupils to read confidently by the end of Year 2. The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND and generally adapts the curriculum to meet these needs. However, there are instances where a small number of pupils with SEND do not access the same breadth of knowledge as their peers, which may hinder their preparedness for future educational stages.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and consideration for one another, enjoying social interactions. The school promotes personal development through a carefully designed program that addresses physical and mental health. Pupils are aware of the support available from the welfare team if needed. They also have a solid understanding of equalities and participate in national events that enhance their understanding of democracy and the rule of law.
Governors are actively engaged in their responsibilities, holding the leadership team accountable for the quality of education. Staff express high levels of satisfaction regarding the support they receive from leaders in managing workload and well-being. The school has effectively collaborated with parents to improve attendance, resulting in a high percentage of regular attendance among pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. To further improve, the school should finalize assessment systems in a few subjects to enhance the identification and addressing of learning gaps. Additionally, it should ensure that all pupils with SEND have access to the full curriculum to be adequately prepared for their next educational steps.
