St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Clayton-le-Moors has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 7th and 8th of March 2023, and the school has maintained its good status since the previous inspection in June 2017. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, with behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating.
Pupils at St Mary’s express that they feel well cared for by the staff, contributing to a happy and safe school environment. They are eager to support their teachers and actively engage in discussions about their learning. The students strive to meet the high expectations set by the school leaders regarding behaviour, demonstrating politeness and courtesy towards both staff and peers. They exhibit a mature understanding of friendship and inclusivity, discussing their differences and similarities openly. The school fosters a collaborative atmosphere where pupils play well together and participate in group activities.
Disputes among pupils are infrequent, and when disagreements arise, students recognize them as a normal part of life, confident that staff will assist in resolving any issues. The school effectively addresses incidents of bullying, ensuring a supportive environment for all students. From the youngest in Reception to those in Year 6, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, pupils enjoy their learning experiences and take pride in their achievements.
The curriculum at St Mary’s is ambitious and broad, engaging all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Leaders have carefully considered the foundational knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember, resulting in good progress in most subjects. However, in a few areas, there is less clarity regarding the logical progression of learning, which can hinder teachers' ability to assess pupils' retention of knowledge effectively.
Teachers at St Mary’s are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum confidently, utilizing their subject knowledge to design effective learning experiences. They employ assessment strategies to ensure that pupils have a solid understanding of prior learning and adapt their teaching to address any misconceptions. This approach has led to strong achievement across the curriculum.
Reading is a priority at St Mary’s, with leaders committed to ensuring that every pupil becomes a confident reader. Teachers receive regular training in phonics instruction, and reading materials are carefully matched to the sounds pupils are learning. Early reading instruction begins in Reception, with a structured approach that supports pupils in decoding words and developing reading fluency.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils who struggle with reading, providing appropriate support to help them catch up. Teachers regularly read to pupils from a diverse selection of high-quality literature, fostering a love for reading. Additionally, pupils with special educational needs receive timely support, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational challenges.
Pupils respect their teachers and each other, with established routines and expectations promoting a positive learning environment. Attendance is high, and disruptions due to poor behaviour are rare. The school prioritizes the wider development of pupils, teaching them about health, safety, and various cultures and religions.
Staff at St Mary’s express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders care about their well-being and workload. Governors are actively involved, providing support and challenge to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential concerns, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its students.
