Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Primary School in Bury has recently undergone an inspection, with the evaluation taking place on the 8th and 9th of October 2024. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Previously, the school had received an outstanding grade during its last inspection in January 2015, and it had been exempt from routine inspections until November 2020 due to this high rating.
The school environment is described as warm and welcoming, where pupils feel happy and valued. Children, including those in the early years, quickly adapt to the established routines. The presence of Pip, the school dog, is noted as a positive influence, helping students settle into school life. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong, with pupils expressing confidence that their concerns will be addressed by the staff.
Pupils generally respond well to the high expectations set by the school, achieving commendable results across the curriculum. They retain key learning points outlined in the curriculum and demonstrate attentive listening and conscientious behaviour in classrooms. Outside of the classroom, pupils contribute positively to school life, taking on responsibilities such as being reading buddies for younger students. The school promotes outdoor learning, fostering skills like resilience and problem-solving, and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, which are well attended.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, covering all key stages from early years to Year 6. Teachers are well-informed about the content they need to deliver and the timing of lessons. Staff possess relevant subject knowledge and receive ongoing training to enhance their teaching practices. Regular assessments are conducted to monitor pupil learning, although there are instances where these checks could be improved to ensure that all pupils are adequately prepared before progressing to new material.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing necessary support to ensure they can learn alongside their peers. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering a love of reading, with investments in engaging literature that pupils enjoy. The phonics programme is delivered with expertise, helping most pupils become confident readers. However, there are occasional inconsistencies in the delivery of this programme, which can hinder some pupils' progress in reading fluency and accuracy.
Pupils are taught about healthy relationships and emotional well-being, with staff implementing a consistent approach to support their overall well-being. The school offers a range of enriching experiences through visits and guest speakers, broadening pupils' horizons and aspirations. Community involvement is encouraged, with pupils participating in fundraising for various charities and learning about safety and health.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors having a clear understanding of the school's performance and providing appropriate support and challenge. Staff appreciate the measures taken to support their well-being and workload, reflecting a commitment to creating a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to enhance its assessment strategies to better identify and address gaps in pupil knowledge and to ensure a consistent approach to phonics instruction. Overall, Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
