St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Longton has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 17 and 18, 2023. The school fosters a friendly and caring environment where pupils, including those in the early years, feel happy and safe. Students express enthusiasm for their learning experiences, highlighting the supportive nature of the staff who encourage them to engage fully in their education. The school maintains high expectations for pupil achievement, and the curriculum is broad and varied, allowing students to develop confidence and articulate their thoughts effectively.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of the school's conduct standards and actively support one another in adhering to these expectations. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a conducive learning atmosphere, where good behavior is the norm. The school has effective measures in place to address any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel secure in their environment.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, trips, and special events, which enrich the pupils' educational experience. Notable activities include the ‘tough kidder’ obstacle race and visits to local museums. Older pupils serve as positive role models for younger students, exemplified by their roles as reading buddies for Reception class children.
Leaders at St Oswald’s have crafted a well-structured curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In many subjects, the curriculum is organized coherently, allowing pupils to build a deep understanding of the material. However, in some subjects, the curriculum is still being refined, which can hinder the logical progression of learning and the ability of teachers to build on prior knowledge effectively.
Teachers are well-supported in developing their subject knowledge and generally deliver the curriculum effectively. They break down learning into manageable steps and provide regular opportunities for pupils to recap and reinforce their understanding. While assessment methods are mostly effective, there are areas where checks do not yield sufficient information about pupil learning, which can delay the identification of misconceptions.
The school has implemented a robust reading program that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs, in becoming confident and enthusiastic readers. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception Year, and staff are well-trained to ensure that pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Once pupils master phonics, they are introduced to a diverse range of literature, fostering a love for reading.
In the early years, children are motivated and engaged in their learning, demonstrating respect for their peers and teachers. The school promotes personal development through initiatives that encourage pupils to explore themes of equality, inclusion, and tolerance. Leadership roles are available for pupils, enhancing their sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Governors play an active role in evaluating the quality of education and provide effective support and challenge to school leaders. Strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families contribute to a positive school culture, with staff feeling valued and supported in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Oswald’s are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding responsibilities and know how to respond to concerns regarding pupil welfare. Leaders monitor safeguarding cases diligently and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for vulnerable pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there are still opportunities for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in certain foundation subjects and enhancing assessment strategies to better identify gaps in pupil knowledge. Overall, St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all its pupils.
