Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Goldthorpe, Rotherham, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has created an environment that values pupils, staff, and the community, fostering a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and motivated. Parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the happiness and well-being of their children. The curriculum is engaging, with teachers setting high expectations and delivering interesting lessons that challenge students, such as exploring the origins of the National Health Service.
Pupils demonstrate positive behavior and teamwork, with a clear understanding of bullying and how to address it. They have opportunities to develop confidence and independence through various after-school clubs and initiatives like the Faith in Action awards. The school emphasizes personal development, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain by addressing themes such as dementia and prejudice. The early years provision is strong, with children developing essential personal, physical, and social skills in a nurturing environment.
Leaders have shown determination in enhancing the effectiveness of the curriculum and ensuring that pupils make progress. They have empowered staff to become knowledgeable subject leaders, resulting in ambitious and enjoyable units of work. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational stages and as responsible citizens. Teachers maintain high expectations and plan lessons that build knowledge and skills effectively. In subjects like history and physical education, pupils engage with the material and develop a solid understanding of key concepts.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils demonstrating a love for literature. Younger students receive targeted support to improve their reading skills, and the school ensures that they are introduced to appropriate texts early on. However, some pupils in key stage two face challenges with reading fluency due to the complexity of the texts used in lessons. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to refine the reading curriculum to better support lower-attaining pupils.
Despite the overall positive environment, there are still gaps in knowledge for some pupils, particularly in mathematics, due to inconsistencies in past educational quality. Leaders are addressing these gaps through high-quality training and new approaches that allow pupils to revisit prior learning. The school has effective behavior management strategies, with clear expectations that contribute to a positive learning environment. Attendance rates are favorable compared to national averages, and the school promotes the importance of regular attendance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sacred Heart are effective, with staff well-trained in various safeguarding issues. The school fosters an open culture where pupils feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Overall, while the school has made commendable progress, continued focus on addressing gaps in knowledge and refining the reading curriculum will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
