St Ignatius RC Primary School in Sunbury-on-Thames has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 1 and 2, 2019. The school is well-regarded by its pupils, who appreciate the supportive environment fostered by the high expectations set by both leaders and teachers. Pupils are encouraged to read regularly, both at home and in school, which contributes to their enjoyment of learning, particularly in mathematics. The school emphasizes the importance of strong mathematical skills, which are essential across various subjects and in everyday life.
The relationships among pupils and staff are characterized by mutual respect, creating a sense of teamwork throughout the school. Adults actively empower pupils to engage in school life, allowing them to lead activities during playtime and contribute to initiatives such as the school’s eco agenda. Pupils feel safe and secure, with most displaying good behavior as they understand the rules and expectations. They listen attentively in lessons and participate enthusiastically, while also enjoying harmonious interactions during playtime. Concerns about bullying are minimal, as pupils trust that adults will address any issues promptly and fairly.
The leadership team at St Ignatius has a strong ambition for the educational outcomes of its pupils. They have effectively supported staff in reviewing and enhancing the teaching of various subjects. The planning of subjects is clear and sequential, enabling teachers to deliver lessons that build on pupils' skills progressively. For instance, Year 1 pupils learn about primary colors and mixing them, which later aids their ability to create representations of African life in Year 2. Teachers are also attuned to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that support plans are in place to facilitate their inclusion in learning activities.
While the revised curriculum has been positively received, it has only recently been implemented, making it too early to assess its long-term impact on pupil learning. Subject leaders are aware of the need for close monitoring of their subjects in the coming year to ensure that the curriculum effectively supports pupils' learning and retention of knowledge. The school’s values of excellence, unity, and service are integral to the educational experience, providing pupils with opportunities to engage in both school and community activities, such as partnerships with local food banks.
Pupils demonstrate strong reading skills, engaging with high-quality texts and articulating their opinions with confidence. However, the organization of books in the library can hinder pupils' ability to select reading materials that interest them. The teaching of phonics is inconsistent across the school, which can slow the development of early reading skills for some pupils. Nevertheless, those needing additional support are well-assisted, allowing most to develop their reading skills successfully by the start of key stage two.
Mathematics instruction is effective, with a focus on developing reasoning skills from the early years. Pupils enjoy challenges related to their times tables, fostering a positive attitude towards mathematics. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential abuse and leaders acting promptly on any concerns. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency in phonics teaching and enhancing the organization of library resources.
