St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, located in Wythenshawe, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 18 and 19 October 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils feel they are part of a family. Staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and pupils consistently meet these expectations, achieving commendable results. The relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff are characterized by care and support, with staff encouraging students to strive for their best.
Pupils express happiness about attending school and feel safe within its environment. They are educated on the significance of mental health and are taught various methods to communicate their feelings, such as utilizing worry boxes in classrooms. The early years' children adapt well to the school setting. Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with kindness and courtesy shown to visitors and peers alike. The school has effective systems in place to reward positive behaviour, and pupils take pride in their achievements, such as wearing golden jumpers. In instances of bullying, pupils report that staff address issues promptly and effectively.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills and take on responsibilities. Older pupils serve as librarians, managing the school library during lunch breaks, while a variety of clubs, including yoga and circus skills, are available for students to enjoy. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing teachers to build on prior knowledge and assess pupils' understanding effectively. However, some subject leaders do not consistently monitor the delivery of their curriculums, which can hinder the overall effectiveness in certain subjects.
Communication and language development are prioritized, with an emphasis on expanding pupils' vocabulary. Teachers actively incorporate new vocabulary into lessons, expecting pupils to use these terms independently. Early reading is a focus, with children engaging in regular story-time sessions and learning phonics in a systematic manner. Most pupils become fluent readers over time, although a few staff members may require additional training to enhance their phonics instruction.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive tailored assistance to thrive alongside their peers. Attendance remains a challenge, as some pupils do not attend regularly enough, which can impact their learning. Leaders are working to improve attendance strategies to ensure all pupils can fully benefit from their education.
Pupils demonstrate good behaviour in lessons, with minimal disruption to learning. They appreciate the quality of education provided and recognize its importance for their future. The school emphasizes pastoral support, helping pupils build confidence and self-esteem while teaching them about friendship and responsible citizenship. Pupils engage in community initiatives, such as organizing donations for local hospitals, and learn about democratic processes through school council elections.
Staff feel supported by school leaders, who collaborate closely with governors to enhance the educational experience. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety promoted throughout the school. Staff receive regular training to ensure they are equipped to handle safeguarding concerns appropriately. Overall, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with areas identified for improvement, particularly in curriculum monitoring and attendance strategies.
