St Paul’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Feniscowles, Blackburn, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 28-29, 2020. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils express their enjoyment of attending. Senior leaders greet students with genuine warmth, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Parents and carers appreciate the approachability of the staff and their responsiveness to any concerns regarding their children.
The school provides an ambitious curriculum that effectively develops pupils' knowledge and skills. Teachers maintain high expectations, and classroom learning is often enhanced by exciting experiences such as residential trips, theatre visits, and museum excursions. Pupils are encouraged to take on various responsibilities, including roles as librarians and eco-warriors, and they participate in after-school clubs that cater to diverse interests. Community involvement is also emphasized, with pupils engaging in projects like supporting the local food bank.
Pupils feel safe and well cared for, exhibiting excellent behavior and a strong eagerness to learn. They report minimal incidents of bullying, expressing confidence that any issues would be promptly addressed by adults. The leadership team is dedicated and knowledgeable, ensuring a good quality of education. Governors are actively involved, frequently visiting the school to monitor its progress, and staff feel valued due to the careful management of their workload.
The curriculum is rooted in the school’s faith-based ethos and is designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge through a well-structured sequence of lessons. This approach aids in retention and understanding of the material taught. Pupils achieve well across a range of subjects, with Year 6 attainment in national assessments aligning with national averages. Leaders provide appropriate training for teachers, although some gaps in subject knowledge, particularly in computing and science, have been identified. This occasionally results in tasks that may not be sufficiently challenging for all pupils.
Reading is prioritized, with a well-structured phonics program that promotes fluency and confidence. The school library and outdoor book Tardis are popular among pupils, who demonstrate a love for reading across various genres. The mathematics curriculum is designed to reinforce knowledge and skills, allowing pupils to apply their understanding to solve new problems effectively.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have full access to the curriculum and learn alongside their peers. The curriculum also promotes personal development, teaching pupils about the wider world and other faiths, and providing opportunities for self-confidence building through various activities.
The early years provision is vibrant and engaging, focusing on language and communication to help children thrive. Staff are caring and responsive to children's interests, creating a supportive learning environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to stay updated on best practices. Leaders conduct thorough pre-employment checks to ensure staff suitability, and meticulous records are maintained regarding safeguarding concerns.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing teachers' subject knowledge in specific areas to ensure all pupils are adequately challenged. Overall, St Paul’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering a positive and enriching learning environment.
