St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Workington, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 10 and 11, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils thrive, demonstrating pride in their school and forming strong relationships with caring staff. The early years program effectively supports children in making a positive start to their education, promoting kindness and good manners among students. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and they respond well to these expectations, achieving commendable results.
Pupils actively engage in various extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on art, cookery, and sports, and they enjoy participating in musical productions. The school council provides students with opportunities to contribute to school improvement and take on leadership roles, such as library leaders and buddies for younger children. Fundraising for local and national charities is also a part of their responsibilities. Educational trips to places of worship, libraries, and farms enhance their understanding of the world, while adventurous activities during residential stays help develop resilience and positive attitudes toward learning.
The governing body effectively fulfills its statutory duties, maintaining an accurate view of the school’s performance and supporting its development. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge across a broad range of subjects. The school prepares children in the early years for the challenges of key stage one, ensuring that most pupils are ready for each educational stage. Staff utilize their subject knowledge to create engaging activities that facilitate successful learning experiences.
While staff generally conduct regular assessments of pupil knowledge, there are instances where gaps in understanding are not addressed promptly. This can lead to some pupils progressing to new material before they are adequately prepared. The school recognizes the importance of addressing these gaps to ensure all pupils build a secure foundation of knowledge. The phonics program is implemented effectively, with most pupils receiving the necessary support to catch up quickly if they have gaps in their phonics knowledge. However, there are occasions when the support provided does not sufficiently target the specific needs of some pupils, hindering their ability to retain learned sounds.
Pupils are encouraged to read a diverse range of books, which contributes to their understanding of various cultural and social themes. They collaborate well during lessons, respecting each other's opinions. The school provides targeted support for a small number of pupils to improve their behavior, and staff are proactive in addressing attendance issues, fostering positive relationships with parents and carers to ensure regular attendance.
The school offers a wide array of opportunities that significantly contribute to pupils' overall development, teaching them about physical and mental health, safety, and the importance of valuing diversity. An enterprise project allows pupils to learn about running a small business, fostering confidence and independence. Staff receive relevant training and are given time to collaborate on curriculum improvements, supporting their well-being and job satisfaction.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and recognizes the need to enhance support for staff in addressing learning gaps to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential. This inspection marks the second ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in May 2015, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing quality education.
