Following the short inspection of St Jude’s Catholic Primary School on 14 May 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the guidance of Mrs. Sarah Wall, has effectively maintained the standards recognized in the previous inspection conducted in July 2015. The school leadership, along with senior leaders and staff, is committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking ways to enhance the educational experience for pupils. Notable initiatives include the development of the curriculum to incorporate more community engagement and environmental education through the forest school program. The leadership has also addressed previous concerns regarding writing performance, implementing strategies to reverse a decline in pupil progress.
Pupils at St Jude’s are described as polite and engaged, demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning. They express enjoyment in their lessons and appreciate the supportive nature of their teachers. The school environment is characterized by a calm and purposeful atmosphere, allowing pupils to focus on their work and interact respectfully with peers and adults. The leadership has successfully responded to past recommendations, particularly in enhancing the teaching of mathematical reasoning, resulting in strong performance in mathematics across the school.
Attendance has improved significantly due to new policies and practices, including awards for good attendance and a parents’ forum to discuss its importance. This has led to attendance rates aligning with national averages, with notable improvements among disadvantaged pupils. The governing body has undergone changes, with some members receiving training to enhance their effectiveness. Governors provide constructive challenge to school leaders, particularly regarding pupil progress and attendance.
Staff morale is high, with all responding staff members expressing pride in their work at the school. They appreciate the professional development opportunities provided and feel that their work-life balance is respected. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many parents recommending the school to others and expressing satisfaction with how concerns are addressed.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with the leadership ensuring that all arrangements are effective and prioritize the safety and welfare of pupils. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding protocols, and pupils feel safe and know whom to approach with concerns. The school has established a culture of safety, teaching pupils how to stay safe in various situations.
The inspection focused on specific areas, including safeguarding effectiveness, writing instruction, and the progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. While progress in writing has been a concern, recent changes in teaching practices are beginning to yield positive results, with pupils showing improved vocabulary and writing skills. Disadvantaged pupils are receiving targeted support and are making strong progress, often outperforming their peers. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a focus on experiential learning through trips and projects that enhance pupils' understanding of various subjects.
Moving forward, it is essential for the school to ensure that the improvements in writing instruction are fully embedded to sustain the progress made. The leadership team is committed to ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the educational experience for all pupils, ensuring that the school remains a supportive and effective learning environment.
