Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Moreton, Wirral, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023. The school embodies its values of care, courtesy, and commitment, fostering a welcoming environment where pupils feel proud to attend. Staff play a crucial role in nurturing students' confidence and self-esteem, ensuring that they feel happy and safe. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those in the early years, and leaders successfully promote a culture of achievement and appropriate behavior. As a result, pupils are motivated and focused on their learning, leading to commendable academic outcomes.
The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, even during social times. Pupils demonstrate respect for their peers and adults, and they are educated about various forms of bullying. The school has effective measures in place to address any concerns, and instances of bullying are dealt with promptly and effectively. A wide range of extracurricular activities supports pupils' personal development, with many students participating in sports clubs and fundraising initiatives for those less fortunate.
Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that is engaging and relevant for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively from Nursery through to Year 6, ensuring that essential topics and concepts are covered. Overall, pupils achieve well across the curriculum and are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and select appropriate activities to facilitate learning. They employ various strategies to assess pupils' understanding, although some areas require refinement to ensure consistency in assessment practices.
Reading is prioritized at Sacred Heart, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the books they read and the authors they study. Early reading instruction begins in the Nursery class, where children learn letters and sounds through engaging activities. A structured phonics program is implemented in Reception and Year 1, with staff trained to deliver it effectively. Support is provided for pupils who struggle with reading, helping them to catch up with their peers.
The school has a robust safeguarding culture, with leaders and staff well-informed about pupils and their families. Staff receive high-quality training in safeguarding, enabling them to identify potential signs of harm. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety and awareness of environmental dangers.
The governing body possesses a diverse range of skills and experience, allowing them to hold school leaders accountable for pupil performance and educational quality. Staff report feeling well-supported by leaders and governors, who consider their workload and well-being when implementing new policies. The school community takes pride in being part of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in refining assessment systems in a minority of subjects. Leaders are encouraged to finalize these systems to enhance teachers' understanding of pupils' knowledge and to strengthen connections between different topics. Overall, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils, ensuring their personal and academic development.