Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School in Pershore, Worcestershire, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation for providing a broad and rich education, with a wide range of extracurricular activities that engage pupils and foster their talents. The school environment is vibrant, with activities occurring from early morning until late evening. Pupils demonstrate the school’s values, reflecting its Catholic character, and they interact positively with one another, creating a respectful and caring community.
Bullying is recognized as wrong by the pupils, and incidents are reported to be rare. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach if they have concerns, trusting the adults in the school to address any issues. The leadership team ensures that a comprehensive curriculum is in place, allowing pupils to enjoy their learning and engage effectively in lessons. Most pupils achieve well and are well-prepared for the next stages of their education upon leaving the school.
The curriculum is ambitious, with leaders clearly identifying the knowledge and vocabulary expected of pupils. The content is sequenced logically to build learning incrementally. However, some subjects are not as fully developed, and the specific knowledge expected in these areas is not always clearly defined. Teachers possess a solid understanding of their subjects and provide clear explanations, regularly revisiting previous learning to reinforce key concepts. They employ questioning techniques to assess understanding and offer additional support where needed, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with staff effectively teaching phonics and providing support for pupils who may fall behind. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs, become fluent readers by the end of Year 2. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including reading aloud to pupils and encouraging exploration of different authors and genres.
In the early years, children begin to develop essential learning characteristics, which are nurtured as they progress through the school. Pupils are encouraged to engage attentively in lessons and concentrate on their tasks. While there are occasional incidents of inappropriate behavior, leaders manage these effectively and provide necessary support to resolve issues. However, the recording of such incidents could be improved to help identify patterns or trends.
The school actively promotes self-esteem among pupils through initiatives like recognizing a special person each week, fostering a sense of pride and confidence. Pupils also learn about diverse cultures and participate in community projects, enhancing their understanding of society. The governing body is well-informed and collaborates effectively with school leaders to support staff well-being, contributing to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about safety, including internet safety, and understand the importance of being cautious with personal information. However, there are instances where records of behavior and safeguarding incidents are not completed accurately, which could hinder the ability to analyze information effectively.
To improve, the school should ensure that the knowledge and skills expected of pupils are clearly defined across all subjects. Additionally, refining record-keeping systems for behavior and safeguarding incidents will enhance the school's ability to monitor and address issues effectively. Overall, Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal development.
