St Edmund’s and St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, located in Waterloo, Liverpool, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 13 and 14 July 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where pupils enjoy learning and feel happy. The values of service, love, compassion, and respect are evident in the interactions between staff and pupils, fostering a supportive community. New students, including those from diverse backgrounds, are helped to settle in quickly, ensuring they feel valued.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respond positively to the high expectations set by the school leaders. Incidents of unkind behavior are addressed swiftly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The school emphasizes the importance of hard work, and most pupils achieve well across various subjects. The curriculum is well-designed and ambitious, allowing for logical progression from the early years through to Year 6. Most pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum as their peers, with some receiving tailored support to meet their individual needs.
The leadership team ensures that teachers are well-informed about the curriculum and its implementation. While most subjects are taught effectively, there are instances, particularly in mathematics, where teaching does not fully align with the intended curriculum. This misalignment can hinder some pupils' ability to build on prior learning. Teachers are encouraged to adapt learning activities to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with SEND, although there are areas where this could be improved.
Reading instruction is a strong point of the school, with staff demonstrating a thorough understanding of how children learn to read. The reading curriculum is implemented effectively, allowing pupils to catch up quickly if they fall behind. The selection of reading materials is carefully considered, and pupils are encouraged to read widely, which contributes to their confidence and fluency.
Pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and music, which take place at different times throughout the school day. These activities help develop important life skills such as resilience and teamwork. The school also prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of its pupils, teaching them about healthy relationships and consent in an age-appropriate manner.
Staff at the school express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders consider their workload and well-being in decision-making processes. The governing body is actively involved and knowledgeable about the school, contributing significantly to its development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school community. Staff receive regular training to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, and strong links with external agencies ensure that pupils and their families receive necessary support.
To enhance the quality of education further, the school needs to ensure that all teachers adapt activities effectively for pupils with SEND and that the curriculum is fully implemented across all subjects. By addressing these areas, the school can help all pupils achieve their full academic potential. Overall, St Edmund’s and St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
