Ofsted conducted a remote visit to St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School on November 5, 2020, to assess the school's response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was part of a broader initiative to understand how schools are managing the return to full education following an extended period of disruption. The visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities, such as classroom observations or reviewing students' work. Instead, the focus was on discussions with the headteacher and leadership teams to gather insights about the school's operations during the autumn term.
The school reopened to all pupils on September 2, 2020, and attendance levels were reported to be slightly above the norm for this time of year. The curriculum was being delivered across all subjects of the primary national curriculum, although some adjustments were made to the content. For example, swimming was temporarily suspended due to the closure of the local pool. The school plans to return to its usual curriculum by the summer term of 2021.
Teachers conducted assessments of pupils' reading abilities, which did not reveal significant gaps in knowledge. However, to enhance reading fluency, understanding, and enjoyment, the school increased the time allocated for reading across all subjects. In mathematics, it was noted that pupils' understanding of place value was not as strong as expected for this stage of the academic year. Consequently, the school implemented a whole-school focus on improving this area of understanding.
Additionally, teachers assessed pupils' knowledge in other subjects and identified key learning that may have been missed or forgotten during the previous terms. The curriculum plans were adapted to address these identified gaps, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support to catch up on missed learning.
The school also developed a remote education program that aligns with its usual curriculum. This program is designed to be implemented in cases where individuals, classes, or the entire school need to self-isolate. This proactive approach demonstrates the school's commitment to maintaining educational continuity for its students.
Overall, the visit did not uncover any significant concerns regarding the school's operations during this challenging period. The information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, helping to inform future educational policies. The headteacher and leadership teams were commended for their efforts in navigating the complexities of the pandemic while ensuring that pupils' educational needs are met. The insights shared during the visit will be valuable in shaping the future direction of education in England, particularly in response to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. The letter summarizing the findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the governing body and local education authorities, and will be published on the Ofsted website for public access.
