Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School in Litherland, Liverpool, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on September 21 and 22, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils, including those in the early years, enjoy learning and feel safe. Strong relationships are evident between pupils and staff, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Pupils express happiness and security at school, utilizing resources like the ‘worry monster’ to address concerns. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that incidents are resolved promptly.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to achieve across various subjects. Staff have high expectations, and the school promotes respect for cultural and religious diversity. Pupils engage in community activities, such as designing local allotments and organizing litter-picking campaigns, demonstrating their commitment to environmental issues. Educational trips and extracurricular activities, including sports and music, enrich the pupils' experiences, allowing them to explore their interests and talents.
The school’s leadership, staff, and governors maintain high expectations and have developed an ambitious curriculum. Most subjects are logically ordered, engaging pupils and preparing them for future educational challenges. The assessment procedures in place help monitor pupil progress effectively, although some subjects require further development in assessment strategies to identify learning gaps.
Reading and phonics are prioritized, with a well-implemented phonics curriculum in the early years and key stage one. Pupils demonstrate confidence and fluency in reading, expanding their literary repertoire. The support provided to pupils who struggle with reading is effective, enhancing their skills and fluency. The early years curriculum fosters a love for learning, with children actively participating in engaging activities.
The school is committed to safeguarding, with effective procedures in place to protect pupils from harm. Staff are trained to recognize signs of neglect or abuse and know how to report concerns. Leaders collaborate with external partners to ensure that pupils receive necessary support, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The nurture base within the school provides tailored support for a small number of pupils, ensuring they do not miss out on learning opportunities.
Behaviour management is consistent and effective, contributing to a calm learning environment. Pupils are encouraged to develop self-management strategies, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. The personal development curriculum is rich, with a variety of after-school clubs available, fostering a sense of community and belonging among pupils.
Staff express satisfaction with their roles, noting the supportive mentoring and training they receive. Leaders are attentive to staff workload and well-being, creating a positive working environment. Governors are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, particularly regarding attendance, and are committed to enhancing pupil attendance rates.
Overall, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, fostering personal development, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its pupils. The school is well-regarded by parents, who appreciate the dedication of staff in meeting their children's diverse needs. The inspection highlights the school’s effectiveness in creating a nurturing and engaging educational environment.
