St Veronica's Roman Catholic Primary School in Helmshore, Lancashire, was inspected on 14 and 15 May 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a positive reputation since its last inspection, which was 11 years ago when it was rated Outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school's performance under the latest inspection framework, taking into account any changes since the previous evaluation.
Pupils at St Veronica's are happy and proud to attend the school, appreciating the diverse experiences offered, such as opportunities to develop sewing skills and participate in the chaplaincy team. These activities help students enhance their talents and explore new interests. The school promotes the importance of physical activity, with pupils enjoying access to outdoor spaces, which contributes to their overall well-being.
The school has high expectations for academic achievement, and pupils generally perform well across various subjects, preparing them effectively for secondary education. Students are aware of the school's expectations and feel supported when facing challenges in their learning. Staff are attentive to individual needs, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support.
The curriculum is well-organized and ambitious, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge. The school ensures that children in the Reception Year settle quickly and develop a solid foundation across all learning areas. However, there are a few subjects where pupils' achievements are not as strong due to a lack of clarity regarding essential knowledge that should be taught. This sometimes leads to confusion among pupils about key facts they need to remember, which can hinder their overall preparedness for future learning stages.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with staff trained to deliver an effective phonics program. Early years pupils engage enthusiastically with phonics, and by the end of Year 1, most can read familiar and unfamiliar words accurately. The school provides additional support for those who struggle with reading, ensuring that most pupils become fluent readers by Year 6. However, there is inconsistency in how teachers foster a love of reading, which affects some pupils' engagement with literature and their ability to deepen their knowledge across the curriculum.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with additional needs, ensuring they can access the curriculum and participate in school life. Pupils demonstrate strong conduct, displaying positive attitudes towards learning and supporting younger students through buddy roles.
While the school emphasizes various aspects of pupils' development, there is a need for improvement in understanding diverse cultures and faiths. This gap limits pupils' preparation for active citizenship in a modern society. Governors provide effective support but need to focus more on evaluating the school's systems and procedures to identify areas for improvement accurately.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance its performance, the school should clarify the essential knowledge in certain subjects, improve the effectiveness of its quality checks on education, and ensure pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse cultures. Overall, St Veronica's Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education while recognizing areas for growth.
