Ursuline Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024. The school maintains high expectations for its pupils, who demonstrate hard work and engagement in their learning. Students express happiness and excitement about attending school, achieving well across various subjects. The school fosters an environment where every pupil is valued and nurtured, leading to polite and respectful behavior. Relationships between staff and students are characterized by warmth and care, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils behave well and adhere to the school's high standards.
The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including musical theatre, beach running, and quidditch clubs, which many pupils participate in. Opportunities for leadership development are abundant, with roles such as school councillors, reading ambassadors, and prefects. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities and the positive impact they have on their peers. They also demonstrate awareness of global issues and develop into confident, thoughtful citizens as they progress through their education.
The curriculum at Ursuline Catholic Primary School is designed to be interesting and ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The sequencing of knowledge allows pupils to revisit and consolidate important concepts, deepening their understanding over time. While many subjects are well-supported, a few lack clarity in outlining what pupils need to learn, which can hinder their progress. Additionally, the school has not fully developed effective assessment strategies in all subjects, limiting its ability to identify gaps in pupils' learning.
In the Reception Year, children receive a strong start due to high expectations for their learning and behavior. Quality interactions between staff and children promote strong language development, and purposeful activities help children learn the curriculum effectively. The introduction of a new phonics program has positively impacted reading skills, enabling pupils, including those with special educational needs, to make rapid progress. The school identifies pupils needing additional support in phonics and provides effective interventions to help them catch up.
Pupils are encouraged to read widely and often, with access to an inviting library and engaging reading sessions with parents. Despite some published data indicating low progress in reading, the school believes this does not reflect the strengths of its revised reading curriculum, as most pupils become fluent readers and confidently demonstrate their phonics knowledge.
Behavior at the school is generally positive, with calm and safe playtimes and focused lessons. The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and works collaboratively with external agencies to support their learning. The pastoral team provides valuable assistance to pupils facing difficulties, promoting physical activity and mental well-being.
The school prioritizes personal development, teaching pupils about different cultures and religions, fostering tolerance and respect. The personal development program prepares pupils for life in modern Britain. Staff appreciate the supportive working environment and the consideration given to their workload. Governors provide effective support and challenge, demonstrating a strong understanding of the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ursuline Catholic Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To improve, the school needs to enhance the clarity of its curriculum in certain subjects and develop better assessment strategies to ensure all pupils can deepen their knowledge effectively. This inspection marks the second ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in June 2015.
