Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School in Horden, County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 28 November 2019. The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils are polite and eager to share their positive experiences. They feel safe and secure, demonstrating respect for their teachers and each other. The behavior of pupils is commendable, both in the classroom and during social interactions, reflecting the high expectations set by their teachers.
While the school excels in fostering a supportive community, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the planning of lessons. Some teachers' subject knowledge does not always facilitate effective learning progression based on pupils' existing knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, the school prioritizes personal, social, and emotional development, promoting values of tolerance and fairness. This commitment helps to create an environment where bullying is not tolerated, and any incidents are promptly addressed by staff.
The relationships among staff and pupils are notably positive, contributing to a conducive learning environment. Pupils engage actively in lessons and collaborate well with their peers. The school has made strides in enhancing the curriculum, particularly in mathematics, where teachers effectively ensure that pupils grasp essential concepts and apply their knowledge to problem-solving. Early years education is also a strength, with children enjoying a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that support their learning and development.
Pupils in the early years demonstrate a strong foundation in reading, with a focus on phonics that continues into key stage one. Teachers are attentive to the needs of lower-attaining pupils, implementing support programs to help them improve their reading skills. The school is committed to meeting the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that learning goals are tailored to individual requirements.
The school community, including parents and staff, expresses satisfaction with the school's performance, describing it as a nurturing environment. Leaders are ambitious for pupils' achievements across the curriculum and have worked to improve the planning of lessons in various subjects. However, there is a need for further development in subjects like history, where the curriculum sequencing could be enhanced to ensure that pupils build knowledge effectively over time.
To continue its trajectory of improvement, the school should focus on enhancing teachers' subject knowledge to better support pupils' learning and retention of information. This will enable educators to respond more effectively to the needs of their students and facilitate a deeper understanding of the material being taught.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety promoted throughout the school. Leaders collaborate with parents and external agencies to ensure that pupils are well-protected and supported. The school maintains high levels of supervision and provides education on internet safety, contributing to a secure environment for all students.
Overall, Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. With ongoing efforts to enhance curriculum planning and teacher training, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering a positive and effective learning environment for all its students.
