St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, located on Charlton Lane in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Somerset BA3 4BD, underwent an inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was deemed to require improvement, a change from its previous grade of Good.
The inspection revealed a mixed performance in various aspects of the school's educational offerings. While the school excels in fostering positive behavior and attitudes among pupils, significant areas for improvement have been identified, particularly in the quality of education and early years provision.
At St Benedict’s, relationships are central to the school community. Pupils, staff, and parents describe a warm and friendly environment where a sense of belonging is cultivated. The school emphasizes citizenship and service, encouraging students to engage in charitable activities that benefit both local and global communities. Pupils generally exhibit good behavior, with low levels of disruption noted during lessons. However, the curriculum in certain subjects does not fully meet the needs of all pupils, leading to lapses in focus and care in their work.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, school leaders have prioritized the physical and mental well-being of students. Initiatives such as a physical education award and the introduction of a therapy dog, Buddy, have been positively received by the school community.
Strengths of the school include a strong focus on improving educational quality, particularly since the arrival of new senior leaders. Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported and committed to the school’s improvement journey. The early reading curriculum has been prioritized, with a well-structured phonics program that helps pupils develop reading fluency.
Areas for improvement include notably weak writing standards, with low expectations from both leaders and teachers. There is a need for enhanced subject knowledge among staff to raise expectations for pupil writing. Teaching effectiveness varies across the curriculum, impacting learning outcomes in some subjects. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is inconsistent, with some not receiving adequately tailored instruction to meet their needs. Subject leadership requires further development to ensure a comprehensive understanding of curriculum implementation and effectiveness.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. Leaders have established robust systems for managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that all staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about potential risks. Pupils feel safe and are educated on how to stay safe, including awareness of online risks.
Recommendations for improvement include enhancing writing standards by focusing on improving teachers’ subject knowledge, ensuring consistency in teaching practices across the curriculum, developing more effective support strategies for pupils with SEND, and strengthening subject leadership through the development of subject leaders.
In conclusion, St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School has a solid foundation built on strong relationships and a commitment to community values. To achieve the desired educational outcomes, the school must address the identified areas for improvement, particularly in writing standards and the support for SEND pupils. With continued focus and dedication from leadership and staff, the school can work towards regaining its previous 'Good' status in future inspections. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with Ofsted Parent View to share their experiences and feedback regarding the school.
