Located in the heart of Sutton, St Anne's Catholic Primary School has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, receiving an overall rating of Good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as Requires Improvement. The inspection, conducted on 18 and 19 October 2022, highlighted the school's commitment to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils.
From the moment pupils arrive at St Anne's, they are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The caring staff and student attendance ambassadors create an inviting atmosphere that helps children feel at ease and ready to learn. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), form friendships easily and support one another.
Pupils at St Anne's are aware of the high expectations set by school leaders and strive to meet them. The school promotes good manners and politeness, with children demonstrating a genuine enjoyment of learning. The range of extracurricular clubs available encourages pupils to take on responsibilities and voice their opinions, contributing to a positive school culture. Importantly, pupils feel safe and confident that any concerns, including bullying, will be addressed promptly by staff.
The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with SEND. Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to ensure that new learning builds on prior knowledge, enabling pupils to progress effectively. Subject leaders provide valuable guidance to teachers, who generally exhibit strong subject knowledge and employ various strategies to assess pupils' understanding. However, the inspection identified areas for improvement, with some aspects of the curriculum not consistently taught well, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills.
The early years provision at St Anne's is particularly noteworthy. Leaders have established a curriculum that sets a strong foundation for children in the Nursery class. Staff maintain high expectations and focus on developing children's spoken language and vocabulary, ensuring that they achieve well from the outset.
A key priority for the school is ensuring that pupils learn to read effectively. St Anne's employs a structured phonics program, with daily lessons starting in the Reception class. Staff receive regular training to deliver these sessions consistently. However, the inspection noted that some pupils at the early stages of reading do not have enough opportunities to practice, which can hinder their fluency and accuracy.
St Anne's is committed to identifying and supporting pupils with SEND early on. Teachers are skilled in implementing various approaches to ensure these pupils access the full curriculum and achieve well, often with the assistance of well-trained teaching assistants.
The leadership team at St Anne's has demonstrated resilience and determination, particularly during challenging times, including a partial collapse of the school building. Staff appreciate the approachable nature of school leaders, who prioritize their well-being. The governing body is knowledgeable and dedicated, sharing the high ambitions set for pupils.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. Staff are regularly trained to recognize signs of potential harm and know how to report concerns. Leaders take swift action to support vulnerable pupils and their families, ensuring a safe environment for all.
In conclusion, St Anne's Catholic Primary School stands as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership, a supportive community, and a commitment to high-quality education. With a focus on continuous improvement, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for development. As it moves forward, St Anne's will undoubtedly continue to be a beacon of excellence in education for its pupils and the wider community.
