St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 19 and 20, 2024. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming atmosphere where pupils take pride in their school and embody the motto Let Your Light Shine. This ethos encourages students to strive for excellence and to support one another. Opportunities for leadership and participation abound, with roles such as school councillors, prefects, and Mini Vinnies available to students. The school promotes extracurricular engagement, as evidenced by the success of Year 3 pupils in a recent football competition.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students displaying excellent manners and respect for one another. They assist each other during playtime, fostering a strong sense of community. Parents and carers have noted this supportive environment, which emphasizes equality and respect among all students. The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to excel academically. The curriculum is continuously evolving to enhance student achievement across all subjects, and pupils respond positively to the learning environment, demonstrating enthusiasm and diligence in their studies.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a structured phonics program that begins in the Reception classes. Staff are well-trained to identify pupils who may struggle with reading and provide necessary support to help them catch up. Once proficient, students enjoy selecting books from a well-stocked library and participating in regular visits to the town library. The school actively promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including storytelling sessions and rewards for reading achievements.
St Mary’s has developed an ambitious curriculum that is engaging and well-structured. Subject leaders are effectively trained to guide curriculum development, ensuring that essential knowledge is clearly defined and sequenced. While most subjects are well-implemented, there are areas where further development is needed to strengthen pupils' understanding. Teachers effectively present new concepts and utilize various teaching methods to enhance comprehension. However, there are instances where pupils do not have sufficient time to practice new skills before moving on to more challenging material, which can affect their confidence and mastery of the subject matter.
The school is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers make necessary adaptations to facilitate learning for these students. Additionally, disadvantaged pupils receive extra support to help bridge any gaps in their education.
Through initiatives like shine time, the school highlights important values and engages pupils in discussions about safety and life in modern Britain. Older students demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and British values, showing respect for diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Staff members express pride in their roles and feel supported in their professional development. The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in completing the curriculum review and ensuring that all key knowledge is sequenced effectively. The school is encouraged to provide more opportunities for pupils to practice and solidify their understanding of new concepts. Overall, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
