St Oswald’s Church of England Primary School, located in Netherton, Bootle, Merseyside, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 15 and 16 November 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel welcomed and valued. The leadership and staff promote the school’s core values of peace, hope, and friendship, fostering a sense of community among students. A variety of extracurricular clubs are offered, including outdoor learning, creative activities, and sports, which help to develop pupils' interests and talents.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior and are encouraged to manage their emotions effectively. The school has established high expectations for behavior, and those who require additional support receive it promptly. Students report feeling safe and secure, with bullying being infrequent. They appreciate the support from staff, which contributes to their overall happiness at school. Children in the early years transition smoothly into the school environment, showing eagerness to attend each day. The school is committed to the success of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that high expectations are set for their achievements.
Older students are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council or environmental initiatives. The school promotes individuality and celebrates the unique qualities of each pupil. Staff and governors share a collective vision for high standards and achievement, and there is a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading. Pupils have access to a well-stocked library and engage in reading activities that enhance their enjoyment and comprehension skills. The early years curriculum prioritizes the development of language and communication skills, with phonics instruction beginning in nursery.
While most staff are skilled in delivering the phonics curriculum, there are a few who require further training to ensure consistency in teaching practices. This has a minor impact on a small number of pupils' reading development. Leaders have implemented systems to identify pupils needing extra support in phonics and reading, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance to catch up quickly.
The curriculum is well-structured and engaging, with leaders clearly outlining the essential knowledge pupils should acquire over time. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively use assessment strategies to monitor learning. However, in a few subjects, there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific knowledge that should be taught and when, which can hinder effective lesson planning.
The school has robust systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to access the curriculum alongside their peers. Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior, showing thoughtfulness and a commitment to their learning. Attendance is generally good, and staff effectively address the pastoral needs of students, teaching them about healthy relationships and mental well-being.
Governors actively hold leaders accountable and are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They work collaboratively with leaders to support staff well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize and report any safeguarding concerns, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, particularly in relation to online dangers.
Overall, St Oswald’s Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and effective learning environment, with a commitment to high standards and the well-being of its pupils. The school continues to strive for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery and phonics instruction.
