St Boniface RC Primary School, located in Salford, Greater Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 9 and 10, 2021. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for, with staff demonstrating a strong commitment to their well-being. The Christian ethos of the school is evident in the welcoming atmosphere created by both adults and pupils, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior and academic achievement. Teachers effectively deliver a well-planned curriculum that engages pupils across various subjects, ensuring that learning is enjoyable. Pupils exhibit good behavior throughout the school, and any conflicts are resolved promptly by staff. The school has implemented measures to educate pupils about bullying, which is reported to be rare, and parents agree that any incidents are handled effectively.
Extracurricular activities, including trips and visits, play a significant role in the school experience. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has creatively adapted to maintain these opportunities, such as bringing elements of the seaside to the playground. The curriculum is designed thoughtfully, allowing pupils to succeed and preparing them for future educational stages and life in modern Britain.
The school has responded well to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, adapting curriculum content to facilitate remote learning and resuming improvement initiatives. While the curriculum is particularly strong in subjects like English, mathematics, science, and art, there are areas, such as history and geography, where planning has been less detailed due to pandemic-related delays. This has resulted in some pupils not making as much progress as they could in these subjects.
Teachers are knowledgeable and help pupils make connections in their learning. The emphasis on reading is evident, with leaders providing resources for parents to support their children's reading at home. The early reading curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that phonics is taught effectively to all pupils.
The school is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive. Pupils demonstrate good behavior, and the school has implemented additional support for mental health and well-being, particularly in response to the pandemic. Activities that encourage open discussions about feelings have been beneficial for pupils.
The leadership team, including governors, has worked diligently to improve the school during challenging times. Staff express pride in their work and feel well-supported. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to keep pupils safe and to respond quickly to any concerns.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to continue refining the curriculum in subjects like history and geography to ensure clarity in what pupils should learn and in what order. Additionally, some curriculum leaders require further development in their roles to enhance the quality of their subjects. Overall, St Boniface RC Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and success of its pupils.
