St Willibrord’s RC Primary School in Manchester has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils, including those in the early years, thrive and enjoy attending daily. Students feel safe and supported, particularly in terms of their emotional health and well-being. The staff fosters warm relationships, especially with children in the specially resourced provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The leadership team at St Willibrord’s has high aspirations for all pupils, focusing on both their academic achievements and behavior. Pupils respond positively to these expectations, demonstrating care and consideration for one another. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that any concerns raised by students are dealt with promptly. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and enjoy socializing during break times. Those in the specially resourced provision also show a strong interest in their learning and demonstrate perseverance when faced with challenges.
Parents and carers feel valued as part of the school community, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The school has developed an engaging curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to ensure that key knowledge is taught in a logical order, allowing pupils to revisit important concepts to aid long-term retention.
Teachers receive support and guidance to deliver the curriculum effectively, resulting in successful implementation in most subjects. However, some recent changes in certain subjects have not yet been fully assessed for their impact on pupils' learning. In subjects like English and mathematics, teachers effectively check for understanding, which contributes to pupils' success. In contrast, assessment strategies in subjects with recent curriculum changes are still developing, making it challenging for teachers to gauge pupils' retention of knowledge.
Reading is a central focus at St Willibrord’s, with younger children enjoying stories and sharing books. Staff teach reading consistently well, enabling pupils to confidently apply their phonics knowledge. Those who struggle receive high-quality support to help them catch up with their peers. The positive attitudes towards reading are evident, with older pupils reading fluently and taking on roles as reading champions to assist younger students.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring that pupils are well cared for. Staff are vigilant in identifying any potential risks to students and work closely with safeguarding agencies to provide necessary support. Pupils are educated about safety, including the dangers of drugs and online safety.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders need to evaluate the impact of recent curriculum changes more thoroughly to ensure that all subjects are being implemented effectively. Additionally, enhancing assessment strategies in newly refined subjects will help teachers confirm that pupils have understood and retained essential knowledge. Overall, St Willibrord’s RC Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
