St Anne's RC Primary School in Oldham, Lancashire, has maintained its good standing in the recent Ofsted inspection conducted on February 12, 2019. The inspection highlighted the effective leadership of Mr. Jim Graves, the headteacher, and his commitment to enhancing academic achievement for all pupils. Mr. Graves has implemented a comprehensive change program, including a new staffing structure, additional training for staff, and a refurbishment initiative to create a more inviting learning environment.
Significant improvements in reading were noted, with progress now aligning with national averages by the end of Key Stage 2. The leadership team has a clear vision for ongoing improvement and has made strides in addressing issues identified in the previous inspection. However, the school improvement plan was noted to lack precision, making it challenging for governors to monitor the effectiveness of key strategies closely.
The morale among staff is high, with many expressing appreciation for the support they receive from Mr. Graves. The governors are described as ambitious for the school, actively engaging in training and holding school leaders accountable for performance.
St Anne's School is recognized for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, where pupils exhibit exemplary behavior and enjoy learning. The school promotes strong relationships between pupils and staff, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. British values are integrated into the school's ethos, ensuring that pupils understand their rights and responsibilities within the community.
Parents and carers have expressed strong support for the school, with many stating that their children feel safe and happy. The school has established strong links with families and the community, with dedicated pastoral leadership contributing to improved attendance among vulnerable families.
Safeguarding measures at St Anne's are robust, with the leadership team ensuring that all arrangements are effective and that staff are well-trained to address any concerns regarding pupil welfare.
Efforts to address areas for improvement, particularly in phonics teaching, have been made. A new phonics program has been implemented, and staff have received training to enhance their teaching methods. The challenge remains to ensure that these improvements are sustained over time.
Looking ahead, the report outlined several next steps for the school, including embedding recent phonics improvements, further developing subject leadership in the wider curriculum, and refining the school improvement plan to enhance monitoring by governors.
Overall, the inspection reaffirmed St Anne's RC Primary School's commitment to providing a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for its pupils, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
