St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School, located on Rackhouse Road in Northern Moor, Manchester, serves children aged 3 to 11 with a current enrollment of 246 pupils. The school, part of the Diocese of Shrewsbury, recently underwent an Ofsted inspection on the 3rd and 4th of October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement.
The inspection report highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement at St Aidan’s. In terms of the quality of education, the curriculum was praised for being ambitious and well-organized across all year groups. However, there were concerns about some pupils not reaching their full potential due to weaknesses in curriculum delivery in certain subjects. Teachers were advised to improve their methods for checking pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge to address gaps and misconceptions.
Regarding behavior and attitudes, most pupils were found to exhibit good behavior in lessons and feel safe at school. However, there were issues with the handling of bullying incidents, with some pupils feeling that problems were not addressed promptly or effectively. Additionally, a minority of pupils reported discomfort due to inappropriate language used by peers during social times.
In terms of personal development, pupils engaged positively in activities related to health and fitness. However, there was a noted lack of awareness regarding fundamental British values, such as respect and tolerance, which impacted their preparedness for life in modern Britain. The leadership and management team was described as supportive and considerate of staff well-being, with governors providing effective challenge when necessary. However, there was a need for improved training for staff, particularly in adapting the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
One area that received positive feedback during the inspection was the early years provision, with the curriculum being well-designed and effectively preparing children for Year 1. Despite these strengths, the report outlined several key areas for improvement. These included enhancing curriculum delivery for pupils with SEND, developing better assessment practices to address knowledge gaps, fostering a culture where bullying and discrimination are not tolerated, and enhancing pupils' understanding of diversity and the importance of respect and tolerance.
In conclusion, while St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School has demonstrated strengths, particularly in early years education, the recent Ofsted inspection identified critical areas requiring improvement. Collaborative efforts from the school community, including staff, governors, and parents, will be essential in addressing these challenges and enhancing the educational experience for all pupils. Commitment to improvement is crucial to ensuring that every child at St Aidan’s can thrive academically and socially. For more information about the school, visit www.staidans.co.uk.
