St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School in Rochdale has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The inspection took place on 10 and 11 October 2023, and the school has maintained its previous good rating from the last inspection in October 2018. The school is characterized by a caring and friendly environment where pupils feel safe and valued. They enjoy positive relationships with staff and peers, which contributes to their happiness and sense of security. The school has high expectations for pupil achievement, and most students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, meet these expectations. However, there are concerns regarding the early years provision, where some children are not adequately prepared for the next stage of their learning due to a curriculum that lacks sufficient guidance.
Pupils at St Thomas’ engage in a broad curriculum that extends beyond academics, with a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports and music. They take pride in their achievements and actively participate in community events, such as performances by the school choir. The school encourages pupils to express their opinions through surveys and the school council, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for their environment. Currently, pupils are involved in fundraising for litter-picking equipment, demonstrating their commitment to improving their school community.
The curriculum for pupils in Years 1 to 6 is ambitious and well-structured, addressing the needs and interests of all students. The school has identified key knowledge that pupils should acquire and has organized subject content logically to build a comprehensive understanding over time. However, there are instances where some teachers do not present subject matter effectively, leading to misconceptions among a small number of pupils. The early years curriculum is still in development, and recent changes have not yet had the desired impact, resulting in a lack of clarity regarding what knowledge should be taught and when.
The school conducts regular assessments of pupil learning, and in most subjects, this information is used effectively to adjust the curriculum. However, there are a few subjects where this is not the case, hindering some pupils' ability to build their knowledge effectively. Pupils with special educational needs are quickly identified and well-supported in lessons, ensuring they can access the curriculum.
Reading is a priority at St Thomas’, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the Reception Year. Children learn to recognize and write letter sounds, and they read books that match their reading level, which helps them develop fluency and confidence. As they progress to Key Stage 2, pupils continue to read a variety of texts, fostering a love for reading across the school.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and regularly attend school. They support one another in lessons and exhibit good cooperation skills. The school promotes acceptance and tolerance through various initiatives, including outdoor therapeutic sessions and visits to schools in contrasting areas. The governing body, although comprising some new members, has effectively supported the school through recent changes. Staff express positive sentiments about their roles and feel their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Parents also appreciate the academic support and care provided to their children, with opportunities for involvement in classroom activities.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to enhance the coherence of the early years curriculum, ensure effective subject matter presentation by staff, and better utilize assessment information to refine the curriculum in certain subjects.
