Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School on 5 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld high standards, driven by clear expectations and a strong vision. The appointment of new leaders has led to significant improvements in school systems, particularly in teaching and assessment consistency. As a result, current pupils have shown notable progress in their achievements.
Pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences, demonstrating sustained concentration and a desire to excel. They appreciate the specific feedback from teachers, which they find helpful for their improvement. Most parents and carers are satisfied with the education their children receive, highlighting the supportive and positive environment fostered by approachable staff. Parents report that their children feel happy and confident at school.
The previous inspection recommended better utilization of assessment information to enhance pupil achievement. The school has responded effectively, with teachers using this data to create challenging learning opportunities. Boys, who previously struggled with reading, are now making good progress, aided by effective phonics instruction. Attendance has improved and is nearing the national average, although some pupils still require additional support to ensure consistent attendance.
Governors have taken proactive steps to understand the school’s processes and monitor pupil achievement closely. They are developing the skills necessary to challenge school leaders effectively, particularly regarding the outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. A key focus for the school is to enhance the challenge in writing tasks and to integrate writing opportunities across various subjects, as there is still room for improvement in this area.
Safeguarding practices are robust, creating a culture where pupils feel safe and supported. Staff are well-trained and responsive to any concerns regarding pupil welfare. The school has established effective communication with parents and external agencies, ensuring that safeguarding cases are managed appropriately. Pupils report feeling safe and well cared for, with bullying being rare and effectively addressed when it occurs.
The inspection highlighted the school’s systematic approach to teaching writing, which has led to rapid progress and good standards. Teachers provide clear guidance on various writing forms and grammar, enabling pupils to develop their skills through editing and redrafting. However, there are instances where writing tasks lack sufficient challenge, and opportunities for writing in other subjects need to be better integrated.
Mathematics instruction is strong, with staff providing clear explanations and challenging problem-solving tasks. Disadvantaged pupils are making significant progress due to effective support strategies, and their attendance is improving as leaders promote regular attendance and address low attendance rigorously.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that writing tasks are appropriately challenging, embedding writing opportunities across the curriculum, and continuing to improve attendance for disadvantaged pupils and boys. The inspection findings indicate that the school is on a positive trajectory, with a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning outcomes for all pupils.
