St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Haslingden has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where pupils thrive and support one another. The culture of learning is strong, with students eager to celebrate each other's successes and provide motivation when needed. The school sets high expectations for its pupils, who consistently achieve excellent results. Opportunities for character development are abundant, with students participating in various activities such as sports and performances, ensuring that every child, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can contribute meaningfully.
Pupils demonstrate respect and compassion towards one another, with older students serving as exceptional role models. They build strong relationships with younger peers, helping to uphold the school's high standards of behavior. Leadership roles are available for pupils, allowing them to take on responsibilities such as being reading buddies or play leaders, which fosters a sense of community and teamwork.
The curriculum at St Mary’s is broad and ambitious, designed to develop pupils' knowledge over time. The early years program effectively prepares children for the challenges of key stage one. Staff members maintain open and supportive relationships, benefiting from extensive training that enhances their understanding of how pupils learn. This expertise is utilized to create effective learning experiences that connect with pupils' prior knowledge, promoting deep understanding across subjects.
Staff are skilled at assessing pupils' learning and addressing misconceptions promptly, ensuring that knowledge is retained in long-term memory. In the early years, staff focus on developing communication and language skills, introducing children to a rich vocabulary, including subject-specific terms. The phonics program is well-implemented, enabling pupils to recognize sounds and read effectively. Those who struggle receive timely support to improve their reading skills.
A love of reading is evident throughout the school, with younger pupils engaging with stories and rhymes, while older pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of genres and authors. The school has high attendance expectations, and pupils are rarely absent. When attendance issues arise, the school takes proactive measures to support affected students.
Positive behavior is a hallmark of the school, with pupils showing commitment to their studies and taking pride in their learning. The school has developed a comprehensive program to support pupils' wider development, integrating this into the curriculum. By exposing pupils to diverse figures from various backgrounds, they learn about different cultures and religions.
St Mary’s offers a range of enriching activities, including trips and memorable experiences designed to enhance learning. The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting the school, providing valuable insights and challenges to ensure the highest quality of education for pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, characterized by a supportive community, a strong curriculum, and a commitment to the holistic development of every pupil.
