St Alban's Catholic Primary School, located on Bewsey Road in Warrington, Cheshire WA5 0JS, recently underwent an inspection by Ofsted on 16 and 17 May 2023. The school has been rated as Good across all key areas, reflecting its commitment to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils.
Pupils at St Alban's thrive under the guidance of skilled and caring staff who are dedicated to their well-being and academic success. The early years program is particularly effective, with children quickly adapting to the school's routines and engaging positively with their teachers. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where diversity is celebrated, and pupils are encouraged to support one another, both in their studies and through various charitable initiatives.
The behaviour of pupils is exemplary, with adherence to the school's golden rules and harmonious engagement in play and social interactions during break times. The school's leadership is proactive in addressing concerns, including bullying, to ensure that pupils feel safe and valued, contributing significantly to their overall happiness and well-being.
Leaders at St Alban's maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Effective strategies have been implemented to support these pupils, ensuring they can achieve their full potential alongside their peers. Positive reinforcement, such as praise points, motivates students to maintain a positive attitude towards learning.
The curriculum at St Alban's is rich and ambitious, designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge across various subjects. Teachers are well-prepared to deliver this curriculum, adapting their methods to meet the diverse needs of their students, including those who speak English as an additional language (EAL).
Reading is a high priority at St Alban's, with leaders actively promoting literacy across the school. Pupils engage with high-quality texts that capture their interests and enhance their learning experience. The school's focus on vocabulary development has yielded positive results, with most pupils becoming competent and confident readers by the end of Key Stage 2.
The personal development of pupils is a key focus for the school, with numerous opportunities provided for students to take on responsibilities and develop self-reliance. Pupils learn to be considerate and thoughtful from an early age, preparing them to make positive contributions to their school and the wider community.
Safeguarding measures at St Alban's are robust, with well-trained staff and clear processes for reporting concerns. Pupils are educated about maintaining their safety, including online safety, and understand how to access support when needed.
While the school has many strengths, the inspection highlighted that a small number of pupils with SEND and those at the early stages of learning English are not catching up with their reading knowledge as quickly as they should. Leaders are encouraged to enhance support for these pupils to ensure they can read fluently and access the wider curriculum effectively.
In conclusion, St Alban's Catholic Primary School stands out as a model of excellence in education, demonstrating a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of its pupils. With effective leadership, a supportive community, and a focus on high-quality teaching, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success. Parents and guardians can take pride in the nurturing environment that St Alban's provides, ensuring their children are well-prepared for future educational challenges.
