Our Lady and St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Oswestry, Shropshire, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 13 and 14 July 2022, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in March 2017. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils and parents expressing high levels of satisfaction. Leaders prioritize the personal development of pupils, ensuring they feel valued and listened to. The school environment fosters positive relationships, and pupils report that bullying is rare, with confidence in teachers to address any issues that may arise.
The curriculum has been revised to ensure it is broad and ambitious, with a clear focus on what pupils should learn by the time they leave the school. Leaders have made significant efforts to ensure that the curriculum supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils engage in various responsibilities, such as being librarians or buddies for younger students, which enhances their personal development. The school also emphasizes outdoor learning through initiatives like forest school, which helps prepare pupils for future challenges.
Reading is a key focus, with staff consistently delivering a phonics program that aligns with pupils' learning needs. This approach has proven effective in helping pupils develop strong reading skills early on. Older pupils express enthusiasm for reading and have contributed to selecting books for the school library, demonstrating their engagement with literature.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some foundation subjects, such as geography and art, lack precise guidance on the knowledge that should be taught. The impact of COVID-19 and staff absences has delayed the implementation of a fully detailed curriculum in these subjects. Consequently, pupils may not be achieving their full potential in these areas. Leaders are encouraged to refine the curriculum further to provide clearer expectations for staff.
Additionally, there are instances where teachers do not promptly address errors in pupils' work, particularly in writing. This oversight can hinder the development of fluency in writing, as some pupils may not form letters and numbers correctly. Leaders should ensure that staff consistently monitor and support pupils in meeting high standards for presentation.
The early years provision is well-structured, with a mixed Reception and Year 1 class that meets the learning and pastoral needs of children effectively. Children enjoy exploring and learning together, and staff encourage them to take managed risks in their learning environment.
The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with effective procedures in place to protect pupils from harm. Leaders are proactive in identifying and addressing concerns, ensuring that all staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and act accordingly. Pupils receive education on safety through lessons and assemblies, equipping them with the knowledge to keep themselves safe in various situations.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, recognizing the complexities of mixed-age classes and providing resources for collaborative planning. Staff express pride in their work at the school and appreciate the support they receive from leaders and governors.
Overall, Our Lady and St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for its pupils. The school is well-regarded by the community and continues to strive for improvement in all areas of its provision.
