St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. The school is characterized by a vibrant and caring environment where pupils enjoy attending and benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students expressed enthusiasm about opportunities to perform in various venues and participate in numerous sports, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
The school promotes impeccable conduct and strong attitudes towards learning from the very beginning, starting in the Nursery Year. Children are taught to listen attentively, follow instructions, and engage in collaborative discussions. This positive behavior is rooted in the school’s values, which emphasize respect and cooperation. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of these values, particularly in their interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Staff members are dedicated to knowing each pupil as an individual, ensuring that students feel supported and confident in addressing any concerns they may have. This supportive atmosphere extends to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who are encouraged to strive for high-quality work and to assist one another in their learning journeys.
The curriculum at St Thomas of Canterbury has seen significant improvements in recent years, with an ambitious framework designed to cater to all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. While the curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, some areas lack detailed guidance, which can lead to inconsistencies in teaching and learning. This gap can hinder the school’s ability to monitor the effectiveness of its curriculum and may result in unnecessary repetition or gaps in knowledge as pupils progress through the school.
In early reading, staff demonstrate strong expertise, effectively implementing the reading curriculum. Children in the Nursery Year engage with stories and develop their phonics skills, leading to high levels of reading confidence and comprehension by the end of Year 1. The school also fosters a love of reading through various engaging activities and events, encouraging pupils to explore a wide range of texts.
However, some pupils struggle with writing skills, particularly in key stage 1, which affects their ability to communicate effectively in subjects like geography and history. The school recognizes the need to enhance its approach to developing foundational writing skills to ensure that all pupils can express themselves clearly across the curriculum.
Teachers exhibit a deep understanding of their subjects and are committed to making lessons engaging and enjoyable. They receive regular training to enhance their teaching practices, which includes collaboration with subject specialists. The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and provides appropriate support to ensure they can participate fully in the curriculum.
The school fosters a culture of mutual respect, with positive relationships among pupils and staff. Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior and attitudes that contribute to their learning experiences. The school also prioritizes the wider development of pupils, offering a well-structured program for personal, social, and health education, which includes teaching about safety and well-being.
Staff members feel valued and supported, appreciating the school’s efforts to consider their well-being and workload. The governing body plays an active role in the school’s development, bringing valuable experience to their responsibilities.
Overall, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, with effective safeguarding measures in place. The school is encouraged to refine its curriculum further to ensure consistency and clarity in teaching and learning, particularly in writing skills, to enhance overall pupil achievement.