St Sebastian’s RC Primary School in Salford has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 10 and 11, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and happy. Strong relationships between staff and students are evident, with pupils knowing they can approach adults with any concerns. This supportive atmosphere contributes to their overall well-being and academic success.
Pupils express enjoyment in their learning across a diverse curriculum, demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Most students achieve well academically, reflecting the effectiveness of the school's teaching strategies. The school promotes kindness and respect among pupils, who celebrate diversity and learn to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts. This creates a calm and purposeful learning environment, allowing students to focus on their studies without disruption.
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the school’s offerings, with a variety of clubs and programs available to enhance social skills and confidence. Activities such as the school choir, gardening club, and reading sessions with the school dog, Bertie, provide pupils with opportunities to engage beyond the classroom.
The school has made notable improvements to its curriculum, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive a broad and ambitious education. Staff workload has been considered during these changes, with appropriate training provided to support effective teaching. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge logically, allowing pupils to revisit topics and deepen their understanding.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, teachers need to enhance their lesson designs to ensure pupils develop a thorough understanding of the material. This is particularly important for students who may struggle to grasp new concepts without a solid foundation. Additionally, while the school has systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs, there are still gaps in phonics knowledge for some students, especially those who joined mid-year. The school is working to address these gaps to ensure all pupils can read confidently and access the full curriculum.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, benefiting from clear routines and expectations set by staff. The school emphasizes the importance of social and emotional well-being, providing support for pupils' mental health and encouraging leadership roles within the school community. Opportunities for school trips and performances further contribute to their personal development.
The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting and challenging the school to maintain high educational standards. The effectiveness of safeguarding measures is also highlighted, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare prioritized.
Overall, St Sebastian’s RC Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong focus on both academic achievement and personal development. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, addressing areas where further support is needed to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
