St Julie’s Catholic Primary School in Eccleston, St Helens, has recently undergone an inspection, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all rated as good. The early years provision received an outstanding rating. The school had previously been exempt from routine inspections due to its outstanding status from a prior evaluation in 2013. The recent inspection took place on 24 and 25 September 2024, marking the first routine inspection since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils at St Julie’s are proud to be part of a supportive and nurturing environment. The early years children are welcomed warmly and adapt quickly to school life. Positive relationships between staff and pupils are evident, fostering a sense of security and belonging. The school encourages open communication, with pupils utilizing worry boxes to express any concerns they may have. The buddy system promotes social interaction during break times, ensuring that pupils play together harmoniously. Recognition of positive behaviour through house points and awards further enhances the school’s culture of kindness and respect.
The school maintains high expectations for academic achievement, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils take pride in their work and demonstrate strong performance across various subjects. The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for the transition to key stage one. Many pupils engage in leadership roles, such as school councillors and subject ambassadors, contributing to the school community. The school offers a range of clubs that nurture pupils' talents and interests.
St Julie’s has developed an ambitious and engaging curriculum, with careful planning regarding essential knowledge and its delivery from early years to Year 6. Collaboration with parents and professionals helps identify pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Staff demonstrate a solid understanding of their subjects, effectively addressing misconceptions and enhancing pupils' knowledge retention. However, in a few subjects, pupils' understanding of certain concepts is less secure, indicating a need for further reinforcement and opportunities to revisit learning.
The early years staff excel in fostering curiosity and vocabulary development, engaging children in meaningful conversations during learning activities. The school prioritizes reading, with a phonics program that begins in Reception. Well-trained staff provide targeted support for pupils struggling with reading, enabling them to become confident readers. Older pupils take pride in their roles as reading ambassadors, promoting a love of reading among younger students.
Pupils exhibit kindness and politeness, helping one another in lessons and throughout the school. The school emphasizes regular attendance and punctuality. Community engagement is encouraged, with pupils participating in charitable activities and learning about equality and diversity through visits to various places of worship.
Governance at St Julie’s is effective, with governors understanding their roles and responsibilities. The school prioritizes staff well-being, with positive feedback from staff regarding workload management. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school should focus on embedding recent curriculum changes in subjects where pupils' knowledge is not yet secure. This will help ensure that all pupils develop a strong foundation of knowledge across the curriculum. Overall, St Julie’s Catholic Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
