The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School in Ribbleton, Preston, received a positive inspection report, reflecting significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school was rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Pupils expressed pride in attending the school, highlighting the engaging teaching methods that make learning enjoyable. They feel safe and supported, with staff demonstrating genuine care for their well-being. The nurturing environment established in the early years allows children to settle quickly and enjoy outdoor exploration with peers.
Behavior among pupils is generally good, with conflicts resolved sensitively by staff. The school community, including leaders, staff, and governors, shares a unified ambition for student success. The school’s motto, feeding hearts and minds, is evident in the pride pupils take in their work and their commitment to meeting high expectations. Older students serve as role models for younger peers, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
The curriculum is well-structured, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Subject leaders possess the necessary expertise to guide their areas effectively, and staff training enhances their subject knowledge. Collaboration across key stages allows for the sharing of ideas and best practices, particularly benefiting new teachers. While most subjects see effective curriculum delivery, some areas require improvement in utilizing assessment information to inform planning. This gap can lead to challenges for pupils in recalling and applying prior knowledge.
The school promotes vocabulary development and communication skills consistently, with staff encouraging pupils to express their thoughts. A love for reading is cultivated through a well-stocked library and diverse reading materials. Phonics instruction is effectively integrated into early years and key stage one, enabling pupils to become confident readers. Additional support is provided for those struggling with reading, ensuring all pupils have access to the curriculum.
The school environment is conducive to learning, with minimal disruption during lessons. Pupils demonstrate hard work and pride in their achievements, with older students setting a positive example. The school offers various extracurricular opportunities, including trips and clubs, enhancing the curriculum and fostering respect for diverse opinions and values.
Governance is strong, with training ensuring governors can hold leaders accountable while being mindful of staff well-being. Safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils educated on safety in various contexts, including social media use. Staff training equips them to recognize signs of neglect or abuse, ensuring vulnerable pupils receive necessary support.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing the use of assessment information in all subjects to better inform planning. This will help teachers identify pupils' knowledge and skills, facilitating more effective lesson planning. Overall, The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear path for continued improvement.
