St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School in Penrith, Cumbria, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 21 and 22 June 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a family-like atmosphere that is appreciated by parents, carers, and the community. Pupils demonstrate friendliness and respect towards one another and trust the staff to address any concerns regarding behavior or bullying effectively.
The leadership team at St Catherine’s has high expectations for both learning and behavior, emphasizing respect and kindness. This approach fosters a commitment to learning among pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with a clear focus on the knowledge that pupils are expected to acquire and the appropriate timing for this learning. The curriculum is designed to build secure knowledge over time, particularly in the early years, where leaders have carefully structured the learning to prepare children for subsequent years.
Pupils take pride in their achievements, particularly in musical performances and community contributions, such as creating prayer cards for housebound individuals. These activities not only enhance their confidence but also encourage them to become active citizens. The school has prioritized reading across all year groups, establishing strong partnerships with the local library to promote a love of reading through workshops and book swaps. The introduction of a new phonics curriculum from the beginning of the Reception Year supports pupils in developing their reading skills, although there are instances where the reading materials do not align closely with the phonics being taught, which can hinder some pupils' fluency and confidence.
While the overall quality of education is good, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, leaders have not thoroughly checked the delivery of the curriculum, leading to uncertainty about how well pupils are progressing. It is essential for leaders to ensure that checks on curriculum delivery encompass all subjects to gain a comprehensive understanding of pupil progress. Additionally, the school must ensure that reading books closely match the phonics knowledge of pupils to enhance their reading confidence and fluency.
Pupils exhibit calm and sensible behavior throughout the school day, with clear routines established in the Reception Year that help children learn to follow them effectively. The school provides a range of experiences beyond the academic curriculum, including sports and healthy eating initiatives, which contribute to the overall development of pupils. Staff express high levels of satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders regarding their workload and well-being, fostering a positive working environment.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to signs of potential harm. Leaders maintain detailed records of concerns and act swiftly to support vulnerable pupils and their families. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including understanding the risks associated with smoking, alcohol, and online safety. Overall, St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils, with a clear path for continued improvement in specific areas.
