Caton St Paul’s Church of England Primary School in Lancaster has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 4 and 5, 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils arrive with enthusiasm and feel genuinely cared for by the staff. The school’s motto, “one family, belonging, believing and learning together,” is actively embraced by the students, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. Pupils, including those in the early years, exhibit happiness, politeness, and enthusiasm, and they understand the importance of respect for all individuals, regardless of differences.
The school has established a culture where bullying is reported to be non-existent, and pupils trust that any issues will be promptly addressed by the staff. This supportive atmosphere contributes to the students feeling safe and valued. Additionally, pupils are encouraged to take on various responsibilities, such as being school councillors or sports leaders, which helps them develop skills for the future. The school provides a range of opportunities for pupils to engage in enriching experiences, including trips to the theatre and outdoor adventures, which are met with excitement and eagerness from the students.
The curriculum at Caton St Paul’s is designed with high aspirations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. Leaders have ensured that the curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge and extend vocabulary across subjects, resulting in good academic achievement. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the specific knowledge that should be taught, leading to gaps in learning over time. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils’ understanding to inform their teaching.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a well-organized phonics program in place. However, some staff members lack confidence in supporting pupils who struggle with early reading skills, which can hinder the support provided to those students. Leaders are aware of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and ensure they have access to the same curriculum as their peers, working closely with external professionals to meet these needs effectively.
Pupils conduct themselves well throughout the school, and the early years environment promotes happy and collaborative play. The positive culture established by leaders allows pupils to thrive in a calm and focused learning environment. The personal development curriculum is enhanced with opportunities for pupils to explore their interests outside of school hours, and they take pride in their achievements.
Governors are actively involved in the school, holding leaders accountable and providing support, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff express pride in their work at the school, feeling respected and valued by leaders and governors. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential abuse or neglect, ensuring a strong culture of safeguarding is maintained.
To improve further, leaders should focus on enhancing staff confidence in delivering the phonics curriculum and ensuring clarity in the key knowledge that pupils need to learn across all subjects. This will help address the gaps in knowledge and ensure that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed academically. Overall, Caton St Paul’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
