St John Fisher RC Primary School in Denton, Manchester, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 2 and 3, 2022. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, feeling happy and safe, and they appreciate the care provided by their teachers. The school has established high academic expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This has resulted in pupils concentrating on their learning and achieving well. The school promotes appropriate behavior through three established rules, which pupils can articulate clearly.
Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a positive school environment. Pupils are confident that any incidents of bullying or inappropriate language will be addressed promptly by school leaders. The school fosters a sense of community, with older pupils supporting younger ones during playtimes and engaging in various activities that enhance their personal development. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those in the early years and those in specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND. Subject leaders have identified key knowledge and skills for pupils to learn, ensuring that new learning builds on prior knowledge.
Governors play a supportive role, challenging leaders to maintain and improve educational quality. They work closely with staff to ensure that disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND receive the necessary support to access the curriculum effectively. Staff have systems in place to identify additional needs, ensuring that all pupils receive appropriate support. Many subject leaders have received training to enhance their expertise in curriculum development, and they collaborate with teachers to deliver the curriculum effectively. However, there are a few subjects where some teachers have not received sufficient training, which affects their ability to deliver the curriculum as intended.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early reading and phonics instruction being central to the curriculum. Staff have undergone high-quality training to deliver phonics consistently, enabling pupils to learn new sounds in a logical order. The school ensures that reading materials align with what pupils are learning in class, supporting their development in accuracy and fluency. Pupils who struggle with reading receive timely support to help them catch up.
Behavior in the school is generally good, with pupils moving around sensibly and following instructions. Classrooms are calm, allowing for uninterrupted learning. Pupils also have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through various charity events and activities that promote understanding of different cultures and faiths. Staff report high job satisfaction, noting that leaders have taken steps to improve their work-life balance and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring that all staff are trained to protect pupils. Staff understand their responsibilities and know how to report concerns. The school maintains detailed records of safeguarding efforts and engages proactively with families to provide support. Pupils learn about safety, including online safety, through the curriculum.
To further improve, the school should ensure that all teachers receive adequate training in the few subjects where they currently lack the necessary skills and confidence to deliver the curriculum effectively. Overall, St John Fisher RC Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
