Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection at St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School in Burnley on May 5, 2021, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The inspection aimed to evaluate the actions taken by the school to improve since the last section 5 inspection. The findings indicate that school leaders and governors are taking effective action to enhance the school's performance and work towards achieving a good rating.
The inspection acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have affected the school's improvement plans. Despite these challenges, the leadership team has shown determination to implement necessary changes. They have revised subject leader roles to better utilize staff expertise and have made significant adjustments to the curriculum. The nursery provision at the school was closed in September 2020, which also impacted the overall educational landscape.
The inspection highlighted that leaders have developed clear plans to improve the curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious and well-structured. Subject leaders are actively reviewing and redesigning their curriculum plans, which is a positive step towards enhancing educational quality. Teachers have received training to effectively deliver the English curriculum, utilizing high-quality texts that engage students and enrich their vocabulary. This approach has fostered a positive attitude towards writing among pupils, who express pride in their work.
Reading remains a priority for the school, with efforts made to increase the range of books available for younger pupils. Staff are effectively using these resources to support phonics knowledge and reading skills, particularly for disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs. The school is monitoring reading progress closely, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support to catch up.
In subjects like science, history, and geography, teachers are beginning to implement the new curriculum plans, although the effectiveness of assessment information usage varies across subjects. Some teachers are still developing their ability to use assessment data to inform instruction, which is an area for further improvement.
The inspection also addressed the need for pupils to develop a broader understanding of diversity, including sexual orientation. While staff have received training on relationships education, the pandemic has slowed progress in this area. Discussions with older pupils revealed a limited understanding of protected characteristics, indicating a need for more comprehensive education on this topic.
Governors are well-informed about the school's progress and are actively supporting and challenging leaders in their improvement efforts. They have prioritized the well-being of staff and pupils during the pandemic while maintaining focus on curriculum development.
The local authority has provided valuable support to the school, particularly in developing the curriculum. Teachers have appreciated the ongoing training, which has contributed to their professional growth. Recently, the level of support from the local authority has been reduced, reflecting the school's capacity to improve independently.
Overall, the inspection findings suggest that St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School is on a positive trajectory towards improvement. The leadership team is committed to enhancing educational outcomes for all pupils, and while challenges remain, the steps taken thus far indicate a strong foundation for future success. The school is encouraged to continue refining its assessment practices and to ensure that all pupils receive a well-rounded education that includes a comprehensive understanding of diversity and inclusion.
