St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School in Preston has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good across various aspects including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel happy and proud to attend, often referring to it as a family. Staff are dedicated to helping students manage their emotions and make positive choices, which contributes to a respectful and caring atmosphere. The school has high expectations for academic success and encourages curiosity and concentration from a young age, leading to strong achievements in many subjects.
Pupils benefit from a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips that enhance their educational experience. Older students take on responsibilities, helping younger peers and engaging in charity work within the local community. The curriculum is ambitious and enriched with experiences that ignite pupils' interests. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in a few subjects where teachers lack clarity on the curriculum expectations for each year group. This has resulted in some pupils not progressing as well as they could in those subjects.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive. Staff are well-trained and utilize external resources to enhance their support for these students. The emphasis on reading is evident, with a consistent and effective phonics teaching approach that helps pupils become confident readers. The love of reading is fostered, with pupils demonstrating an extensive vocabulary and engaging in discussions about their favourite books.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils displaying kindness, good manners, and respect for one another. The school has implemented effective strategies to manage attendance, recognizing patterns of absence and providing support to families when needed. This proactive approach has led to improvements in attendance over time.
The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, instilling values of equality and participation in community events. Staff are committed to continuous improvement and professional development, creating a supportive environment for both teachers and pupils. Governors play an active role in supporting the school, attending training sessions to better understand the educational needs and priorities.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for. The school is committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential. Overall, St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a strong focus on both academic and personal development. The school community is proud of its achievements and is dedicated to fostering a positive learning experience for all its pupils.
