Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Stockport has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 11 and 12, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming community where pupils express pride in their school and enjoy attending. They greet their teachers with enthusiasm each morning, knowing that staff prioritize their well-being, which contributes to a safe and conducive learning environment. The leadership encourages pupils to strive for their best, and students respond positively by demonstrating good behavior and effort in their studies. The school celebrates positive behavior through initiatives like the ‘Bee Attitudes’ rewards, fostering a culture of respect and kindness among students.
Pupils are taught the importance of respecting others and understanding diversity, which helps them treat each other with care. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. Students have shared their excitement about various enriching activities, such as video calls with authors and participation in local competitions, which enhance their learning experience.
While the school has made significant strides in strengthening its curriculum, there are areas that require further development. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum framework across many subjects, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can learn and retain essential knowledge. However, in some subjects, the curriculum is still being finalized, leading to inconsistencies in what is taught. This can create gaps in knowledge for some pupils, particularly when teachers are unclear about the specific content to be delivered.
Teachers generally deliver the curriculum effectively, explaining concepts clearly and revisiting prior learning to reinforce understanding. However, in certain subjects, assessment strategies to gauge pupil learning are not as effective, making it challenging for teachers to identify knowledge gaps before progressing. This can result in uneven learning experiences for some students, including those in the early years.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils encouraged to read widely. The phonics program has been recently improved, allowing children to start learning phonics early in their Reception Year. Teachers ensure that reading materials are aligned with the sounds pupils have learned, and additional support is provided to those who need it, helping them catch up more quickly.
Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated, and pupils understand that these standards are fair. Children in the Reception Year adapt quickly to school routines, and as they progress, they take on more responsibility for their behaviour. Disruptions to learning are rare, and pupils engage well during social times, with older students assisting younger ones in play.
Pupils appreciate the opportunities to participate in school life, learning about democracy through roles such as school councillors and reading ambassadors. The governing body is actively involved in supporting the school’s priorities, ensuring that leaders have the capacity to implement improvements effectively. Staff feel supported and proud to work at the school, although some express that their workload can be challenging. Leaders are taking steps to address this concern.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to recognize and report any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders work closely with parents to educate them about potential risks, including online safety. Overall, while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum and assessment strategies to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
