Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School on 13 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in July 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the interim executive headteacher, has effectively managed the school during a period of transition, following the retirement of the previous headteacher. Although there have been two changes in leadership within a short timeframe, the interim headteacher has provided stability and direction, which has been appreciated by staff and parents alike.
Staff members report that the school is well-led and managed, valuing the professional development opportunities available to them. Many parents expressed satisfaction with their children's happiness and progress at school, highlighting the supportive environment. However, some parents voiced concerns regarding the absence of a full-time substantive headteacher and the communication regarding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions. The interim headteacher acknowledges the need for improved communication with parents and is focused on ensuring high-quality education for all pupils.
The quality of teaching remains strong, with effective collaboration among teachers across the three primary schools led by the interim headteacher. Initiatives to enhance phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics have been successfully implemented, resulting in significant improvements in pupils' problem-solving and reasoning skills. The introduction of engaging topics beyond core subjects has also inspired pupils, enhancing their vocabulary and writing skills.
Leaders have revised the use of assessment information, allowing for a more focused approach to individual pupil progress, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. This has led to strong rates of progress for these groups, with many catching up with their peers nationally. The support for pupils with SEND is well-structured, and improvements in this area are ongoing.
Pupils enjoy their learning and feel safe at school, demonstrating positive behavior and strong relationships with teachers. They express confidence in the support available to them and understand how to keep themselves safe, including online. Safeguarding measures are robust, with well-established procedures ensuring pupil safety.
The inspection findings indicate that while the quality of teaching is good, there is a need for further embedding of new initiatives across all curriculum areas. Leaders are aware of the previous dip in progress for disadvantaged pupils and are strategically using pupil premium funding to address this. The focus on effective teaching and additional support strategies is benefiting these pupils, enabling them to make strong progress.
Governors are cognizant of the recent leadership changes and the impact on staff and parent perceptions. They are actively monitoring the school's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the progress made since January is sustained and embedded.
Moving forward, it is essential for leaders and governors to ensure that high-quality teaching initiatives are consistently applied across the curriculum and that communication with parents is enhanced to keep them informed about developments, particularly regarding SEND provisions. The school is on a positive trajectory, with a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on the well-being and academic success of all pupils.
