St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Langho has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 13 and 14, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are polite, articulate, and happy. They find it easy to make friends and feel comfortable sharing their hopes and concerns with staff. The school promotes inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils are involved in school life. High expectations from leaders and teachers motivate pupils, who express positive sentiments about their experiences, highlighting opportunities for personal growth and support in overcoming challenges.
The school embodies the Catholic faith, with pupils demonstrating care and respect for one another. They engage in charitable activities, raising funds for various local and national causes. Safety is a priority, and pupils feel secure, confident that any bullying incidents will be addressed promptly. Most pupils exhibit good behavior and navigate the school sensibly. Extracurricular activities, including drama and yoga, enrich the pupils' experiences, although some had to be paused due to the pandemic. Pupils eagerly anticipate the return of these activities.
Academically, pupils show enthusiasm for learning and achieve well across subjects. The curriculum is carefully planned, with essential information presented logically. Leaders and staff adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is some inconsistency in how individual lessons are planned, which can lead to gaps in subject knowledge. Leaders are actively working to address this issue by supporting teachers in utilizing curriculum plans more effectively.
Communication and language development are emphasized from the early years through all year groups, with pupils learning new vocabulary effectively. Mathematics instruction is successful, with pupils retaining knowledge from previous lessons. Reading is a strong focus, with pupils reading fluently and confidently due to ample practice opportunities. Initiatives like the reading competition encourage a love for reading among pupils.
Attendance is high, and pupils behave well in lessons, minimizing disruptions. Respectful interactions between boys and girls are evident, and staff effectively support pupils in managing their behavior. The school prepares pupils for life in modern Britain by educating them about prejudice and diverse faiths and backgrounds. Discussions on relevant world issues enhance their understanding of societal challenges.
Governance is strong, with governors actively supporting and challenging school leaders to ensure continuous improvement. Staff generally feel their workload is manageable and appreciate the support provided for their well-being. Some staff desire additional assistance to further alleviate their workload, and leaders have implemented various strategies to support them.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective. Leaders and staff are attentive to pupils' needs and act swiftly to address any concerns. Regular training ensures staff are well-informed about safeguarding practices, and pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that teaching consistently covers the planned curriculum thoroughly. This will help pupils retain and understand the knowledge they are taught. Overall, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, promoting both academic success and personal development.
