St Brigid’s RC Primary School in Manchester has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a nurturing and caring environment where pupils enjoy being part of the community. They develop strong relationships with both staff and peers, and the school maintains high ambitions for their achievements. The motto of the school, Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it, resonates with the pupils, who are encouraged to strive for success.
Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well and benefit from effective support for their well-being, including mental health. The school promotes a culture of care, where older pupils take on responsibilities such as assisting younger students with first aid on the playground. Classrooms are calm, which contributes to a conducive learning environment. Pupils demonstrate respect for diversity and have a strong sense of fairness, ensuring that everyone feels included.
The school enhances learning through various trips and extracurricular activities, including cooking and cheerleading clubs, which help develop leadership skills among pupils. The curriculum has been reviewed and improved since the last inspection, with a well-structured approach that supports early years pupils in developing a love for learning. Most subjects have clearly defined content that builds on prior knowledge, although a few subjects still require clearer definitions of essential knowledge to aid teaching and assessment.
Teachers are well-trained and utilize their subject knowledge effectively, ensuring that pupils grasp the curriculum content. They assess understanding before introducing new material, allowing for successful progression through the curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early years and key stage one teachers effectively building phonics knowledge. Pupils are matched with appropriate reading materials, and those who struggle receive timely support to catch up. Older pupils express enthusiasm for reading and discuss their favorite authors and books.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they receive appropriate support throughout their education. This inclusive approach allows these pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve well. The school has also implemented a revised behavior management strategy, resulting in generally good behavior among pupils who understand and meet the school's expectations.
Attendance rates are improving due to effective partnerships with families and clear attendance management procedures. The school has developed a comprehensive personal development program that addresses important issues such as equality and British values, ensuring pupils understand how to stay safe online. Staff members take pride in the collaborative culture within the school, supported in their roles and mindful of workload when implementing changes.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clarifying essential knowledge in a few subjects to enhance the precision of teaching and ensure pupils retain knowledge over time. Overall, St Brigid’s RC Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
