St John Fisher Roman Catholic Primary School in Middleton, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils arrive with smiles, greeted warmly by staff. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute significantly to the overall happiness and well-being of the students. Pupils exhibit remarkable politeness and considerate behavior, holding doors open for one another and listening attentively during lessons. This respectful atmosphere encourages a love for learning and helps students meet the school’s high expectations for achievement.
The school emphasizes the importance of kindness and community service, with older pupils organizing games for younger students during break times. The school council members take their responsibilities seriously, and pupils take pride in their roles. Additionally, the school offers a variety of trips and visits, including a residential trip for Year 6 pupils, which they describe as a lifetime experience.
St John Fisher provides an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to instill pride in the local area, and staff have carefully planned what pupils will learn in each subject. Most subjects are taught effectively, with staff revisiting key information to reinforce learning. However, there are some subjects where the school has not clearly defined the essential knowledge pupils should acquire, particularly in the early years. This lack of clarity can hinder the design of lesson activities that emphasize important knowledge, resulting in some pupils not building their learning as effectively over time.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, and pupils express a genuine enjoyment of reading. Even those who struggle with reading feel confident reading aloud. The school promotes reading through engaging activities, such as using puppets to retell stories and inviting parents to participate in reading sessions. Phonics lessons are delivered by well-trained staff who provide support to pupils who need it, ensuring they develop accurate and fluent reading skills.
The school is proactive in identifying additional needs among pupils and generally provides effective support for those with special educational needs. However, there is some variability in the effectiveness of this support, and the school is addressing this by offering additional training and guidance to staff.
Personal development is a strong focus at St John Fisher, with initiatives designed to inspire pupils and broaden their perspectives. Visitors, such as elite athletes, encourage pupils to reflect on important values like tolerance. The school also organizes events where pupils can meet professionals from various fields, helping them understand the world of work and raising their aspirations for the future.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior and attentiveness during lessons, with established routines promoting positive conduct. Attendance is high, and there is a strong sense of pride among pupils, staff, and governors regarding the school. Staff support one another and appreciate the clear communication regarding deadlines, which helps them manage their commitments effectively.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and has identified areas where it can enhance its curriculum further. Overall, St John Fisher Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for its pupils.
