St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Warrington was inspected from September 27 to 28, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation for nurturing its pupils, with staff providing excellent support and fostering a caring environment. Pupils feel secure and happy, knowing they can rely on adults for help when needed. The school promotes a sense of belonging, with students expressing that everyone is welcomed into their school family. The atmosphere is calm, and pupils are encouraged to embody values of love, respect, and appreciation for one another.
Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with most demonstrating high standards and requiring minimal reminders to maintain discipline. They eagerly participate in celebration assemblies, taking pride in their achievements. The school sets high expectations for academic performance, and many pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well across various subjects. Extracurricular activities, such as art, running, and choir, are popular, and pupils enjoy performing in front of audiences, which helps build their confidence and sense of community.
The curriculum at St Oswald’s is broad and ambitious, designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge and skills for their future education. The school has effectively identified key concepts and knowledge in most subjects, allowing teachers to emphasize and revisit important content. Staff are well-equipped to introduce new learning clearly and check pupils' understanding of prior knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the clarity regarding essential knowledge and skills could be improved, which may hinder some pupils from deepening their understanding over time.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, providing a diverse range of texts to enhance learning. Early years and key stage one pupils receive focused phonics instruction, enabling them to read confidently. New arrivals, including those who speak English as an additional language, quickly adapt to phonics learning. While the school identifies pupils who struggle with reading and provides support, there are instances where the additional help does not align well with their specific phonics needs, affecting their reading fluency and comprehension.
The school effectively identifies additional needs among pupils, including those with special educational needs, and collaborates with external agencies to secure necessary support. Behaviour in the early years is well-managed, with children quickly learning routines and cooperating effectively. The school promotes pupils' wider development, helping them understand mental health and the importance of treating everyone with respect. Celebrations of diversity are integrated into the school culture, and pupils actively engage in learning about different cultures and faiths.
Governance is strong, with governors providing a balanced mix of challenge and support. Staff appreciate the school’s consideration of their well-being and workload. Communication with parents is effective, with many expressing high regard for the school and valuing the regular updates provided. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that younger pupils who struggle with reading receive appropriate support tailored to their phonics knowledge gaps. Additionally, refining curriculum guidance in certain subjects will help ensure that pupils acquire and retain essential knowledge more effectively. Overall, St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
