Our Lady and St Edward's Catholic Primary School in Birkenhead, Merseyside, was inspected on 30 November and 1 December 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, maintaining a high standard of education and care for its pupils. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This inspection marked a significant moment as the school had previously been rated outstanding twelve years ago under a different inspection framework.
Pupils arrive at the school eager to learn, greeted warmly by staff who foster positive relationships. The leadership team has set high expectations for both achievement and behaviour, leading to improvements in pupil performance. The curriculum has been enhanced to ensure that it is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. Teachers design activities that deepen understanding over time, although there is a noted need for better strategies to assess long-term retention of knowledge among pupils.
Most pupils demonstrate good behaviour and follow routines well, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. However, some instances of bullying have been reported, particularly among pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school leadership addresses these incidents promptly and effectively. Pupils express enjoyment in their learning and appreciate the extracurricular opportunities available, such as yoga, chess, and drama clubs, which enrich their educational experience.
The school has made significant strides in its curriculum, particularly in reading, which is prioritized across all year groups. Older pupils speak confidently about the books they have read, and early years children are introduced to phonics through engaging activities. The phonics program is well-structured and consistently delivered, ensuring that pupils who struggle receive the necessary support to become confident readers.
While most pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, there are occasions when some staff do not consistently apply the behaviour policy, leading to disruptions in the classroom. This inconsistency can affect the learning experience for others. The personal development curriculum is well-organized, teaching pupils about physical health, different cultures, and the importance of healthy relationships. Pupils are well-informed about the challenges of modern society, including the implications of gang culture.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs have equal access to the curriculum and receive appropriate support. Staff morale is high, with leaders considering the workload and well-being of their team. Parents and carers have expressed positive feedback regarding their children's experiences at the school.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm. Leaders work closely with external agencies to provide timely support for pupils in need. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe, particularly in the context of online interactions.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance teachers' abilities to assess pupils' retention of knowledge over time and ensure consistent application of behaviour management strategies across all staff. Overall, Our Lady and St Edward's Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for its pupils.
