St Malachy’s RC Primary School in Collyhurst, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 23 and 24, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils enjoy learning and playing together. The playground is vibrant with joy and laughter, reflecting the strong sense of community among students. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and a strong work ethic, motivated by the supportive nature of their teachers who are dedicated to their success. The school fosters a family-like atmosphere, with many pupils, parents, and carers expressing a sense of belonging.
The school promotes healthy competition through a house system, where pupils earn house points for meeting high expectations in behavior and learning. This system encourages camaraderie and sportsmanship, as pupils celebrate each other's achievements in various sporting activities. The school emphasizes the values of tolerance and respect, teaching pupils to appreciate diversity and ensuring that bullying is not tolerated. Staff are proactive in addressing any instances of unkind behavior, contributing to a safe and supportive environment.
Leaders at St Malachy’s have successfully implemented a high-quality education for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-organized in most subjects, with subject leaders carefully considering the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire. This knowledge is broken down into manageable steps, allowing pupils to build their understanding progressively from Nursery to Year 6. Early years education lays a solid foundation, preparing children well for their future learning.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, leaders are still refining their curriculum, which can occasionally hinder teachers in designing effective learning activities. This may also make it challenging for pupils to connect new concepts with prior knowledge. Leaders have introduced strategies to help pupils revisit previously learned material, which is beneficial in most subjects, although less effective in areas where the curriculum is still developing.
Teachers generally implement the curriculum effectively, utilizing their subject expertise to explain new ideas clearly and address misconceptions promptly. Leaders have a strong understanding of pupils' needs, identifying those who may require additional support from the outset. Pupils with special educational needs learn alongside their peers and make good progress.
The school has also prioritized fostering a love of reading among pupils, with regular reading activities both at school and home. Early phonics education is robust, enabling most pupils to read accurately by the end of key stage 1, which positively impacts their overall achievement.
Pupils learn to manage their behavior from an early age, developing skills such as sharing and transitioning between activities smoothly. Older pupils take on leadership roles, supporting younger peers as nursery helpers and sports leaders. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, providing opportunities for spiritual, moral, and cultural development through various activities, including church services and theatre visits.
Governors work closely with school leaders and staff, fostering a sense of value and pride within the school community. Staff appreciate the support they receive, particularly early career teachers who benefit from guidance and mentorship.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Malachy’s are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Leaders prioritize the welfare of pupils, ensuring that staff are well-trained and responsive to any concerns.
To further improve, leaders need to finalize curriculum details in some foundation subjects, ensuring that teachers have a clear understanding of the knowledge pupils need to retain over time. This will enhance the overall learning experience and ensure that all pupils achieve well across the curriculum.
