St Mary's and St Peter's Catholic Primary School is recognized for its strong community presence and commitment to inclusivity. The school fosters a diverse environment where students learn about various world religions through regular faith weeks. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, emphasizing the importance of keeping up with their peers. The school environment is nurturing, allowing pupils to thrive and feel happy. The values taught at the school help shape the character of each pupil, encouraging them to recognize and reward positive behavior among their peers. Older students take pride in their roles as monitors, contributing to the overall school community. Kindness is a fundamental principle, and when conflicts arise, pupils are guided to reflect on their actions and their impact on others. The school promotes a culture where every pupil feels valued and safe, leading to rare instances of bullying, which are addressed promptly by the leadership.
The school prioritizes reading, with daily reading sessions and a curriculum that encourages pupils to explore a wide range of texts. This focus has resulted in pupils developing fluency and confidence in their reading abilities. The early years provision is designed to give children a strong start, with a carefully considered curriculum that supports language and communication development. Mathematics is also a key focus, with lessons planned to ensure children quickly grasp numerical concepts.
Leaders have established a coherent curriculum across subjects, identifying essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to succeed. Regular training for teachers ensures that the curriculum is effectively delivered, engaging pupils and fostering a positive learning atmosphere. However, some pupils struggle to retain knowledge due to insufficient opportunities to revisit key concepts, indicating a need for improvement in this area. Additionally, while support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is in place, some support plans lack clarity, resulting in inconsistent access to the curriculum for these pupils.
The school actively engages with the local community, organizing visits to care homes and inviting professionals to work with families on health and nutrition. This involvement helps celebrate diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among pupils. The curriculum also includes lessons on healthy relationships, ensuring that pupils are equipped with the knowledge to navigate personal safety and well-being.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors fulfilling their responsibilities and supporting the leadership team. Staff well-being is a priority, and teachers express positive sentiments regarding the support they receive from leaders. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance and prompt reporting of concerns. Staff are well-trained to identify and address potential risks to pupils, ensuring a safe environment for all.
In summary, St Mary's and St Peter's Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in knowledge retention and support for pupils with special educational needs, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their educational journey.
