St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, located in Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 12 and 13, 2023. The school fosters a caring and nurturing environment where pupils thrive, guided by its mission of 'live, love, believe' and the integration of seven school virtues into daily life. Strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a sense of safety, with pupils aware that there is always someone available to listen and assist with any concerns. The school promotes a culture of kindness, brilliance, and respect, which is evident in the behavior of pupils during lessons and at lunchtime.
Governance and leadership at the school are characterized by high ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders actively seek to broaden pupils' horizons through various opportunities, such as theater visits and interactions with notable figures. The curriculum is carefully designed to be engaging, broad, and ambitious, ensuring that teachers possess strong subject knowledge and that learning is well-sequenced and progressive. Teachers effectively assess pupils' understanding and provide timely support to address any learning gaps.
Reading is prioritized, with significant changes made to the teaching of reading this year. Staff are well-trained in the phonics program, and pupils in the Reception Year receive a strong start in reading. However, some pupils are not yet reading as fluently as they could, indicating that recent improvements in reading approaches need further embedding. Leaders are committed to fostering a love for reading, investing in high-quality books that expose pupils to diverse texts and themes.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are quickly identified and supported. However, there are instances where tasks in certain subjects could be better adapted to enhance learning for these pupils. Leaders have planned training to address this area for improvement.
Pupils are engaged and eager to learn, demonstrating good concentration and attentiveness in lessons. The school environment is generally calm and purposeful, contributing positively to personal development. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as class ambassadors, and are taught the importance of celebrating differences and equality. Nonetheless, some pupils' understanding of fundamental British values and various cultures and religions requires further development to prepare them for life in a diverse society.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving regular training and updates. Concerns are addressed promptly, and pupils are educated on safety measures, including online safety. The school has a well-maintained single central record, and leaders work effectively with external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to fully embed the changes made to the phonics program to enhance reading fluency among pupils. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen pupils' understanding of British values and cultural diversity to better prepare them for life in modern Britain. Overall, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear commitment to ongoing improvement and development.
