St Stephen’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Droylsden, Manchester, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted significant improvements since its last evaluation. The school is now rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a notable advancement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
Pupils at St Stephen’s take pride in their school and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility towards their environment, including caring for the school’s animals. Older students play a vital role in supporting younger children, helping them adapt to school routines. The behaviour of pupils is commendable, contributing to a calm and focused learning atmosphere. During playtime, students have the freedom to engage in various activities, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
The school prioritizes the safety and happiness of its pupils, ensuring they know where to seek help if needed. Staff are attentive to students' concerns and effectively manage any instances of bullying. The leadership team has made significant strides in enhancing the curriculum, raising expectations for student achievement across various subjects.
The curriculum is well-structured, particularly in several key subjects where leaders have provided teachers with the necessary support to deliver lessons effectively. Teachers are adept at sequencing content, revisiting essential knowledge, and ensuring that pupils retain what they have learned. However, there are still some subjects where curriculum development is ongoing, and teachers require clearer guidance on what to teach and when. This has affected the consistency of learning in those areas.
Reading instruction is a strong point at St Stephen’s, with staff effectively introducing new vocabulary and phonics to children from an early age. As pupils progress, they receive targeted support to address any gaps in their reading knowledge, enabling them to catch up quickly. A new reading programme has been introduced, encouraging older pupils to explore a diverse range of literature independently, which enhances their overall reading skills.
The school is committed to inclusivity, providing effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers ensure that these students can learn alongside their peers without disruption. The curriculum also emphasizes pupils' broader development, incorporating resources that reflect the diversity of modern Britain and teaching students to challenge stereotypes.
Governance at the school has improved, with governors gaining a better understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. This has enabled them to provide more informed support and challenge to school leaders. Staff morale is high, with teachers appreciating the consideration given to their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Students are educated on how to keep themselves safe, particularly in online environments.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are still areas for development. Leaders need to finalize curriculum planning in a few foundation subjects to ensure all teachers have the necessary information to deliver these subjects effectively. Additionally, the approach to assessment in some subjects requires further refinement to enhance the learning experience for all pupils. Overall, St Stephen’s Roman Catholic Primary School is on a positive trajectory, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its students.
