Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Primary School in Ashton-under-Lyne has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 21 and 22, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils. Students express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the care and support provided by the staff. The leadership team has established high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that most students achieve well.
Pupils from Years 1 to 6, as well as those in the early years, exhibit attentive behavior towards their teachers and adhere to school rules. They are encouraged to do their best and know that assistance is readily available if they encounter difficulties in their learning. The school fosters a polite and welcoming atmosphere, with pupils behaving well in lessons and throughout the school, contributing to a calm learning environment.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs and educational visits, which help pupils gain a broader understanding of the world. For instance, pupils participated in learning dances from different countries to celebrate sports week. The school promotes equality and respect among all students, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity.
The playground is vibrant with activity, and play ambassadors facilitate games for younger pupils, enhancing the sense of community within the school. Pupils feel safe and happy, learning to recognize signs of bullying and trusting that staff will address any incidents promptly.
The curriculum at Our Lady of Mount Carmel is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to build their knowledge over time. This includes a focus on disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The curriculum is designed to make pupils engaging conversationalists, as they acquire substantial knowledge about the world. The early years curriculum lays a solid foundation for future learning.
Leaders have identified key knowledge, skills, and vocabulary for each subject, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge in a structured manner. However, there are areas where the order of knowledge acquisition could be improved. Staff are well-equipped with the necessary subject knowledge to support pupils' learning, and regular checks on pupils' work are conducted. Nonetheless, in some subjects, these checks do not fully identify pupils who may require additional support.
Phonics instruction begins in the early years, with teachers using enjoyable activities to reinforce sounds and words. By the end of Key Stage 1, most pupils can read confidently. The reading curriculum in Key Stage 2 further develops pupils' understanding of various texts, with teachers providing additional help as needed.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and develops tailored learning plans to support their educational journey. These pupils receive the same curriculum access as their peers, aided by experienced staff and collaboration with outside agencies.
Pupils demonstrate concentration and respect during lessons, actively engaging in their learning. The school emphasizes understanding different cultures and religions, promoting equality among all students. Memorable experiences, such as sports events and visits from guest speakers, enrich the curriculum.
Staff appreciate the trust placed in them by the leadership team, recognizing efforts to manage their workload. The school community is characterized by strong relationships, creating a welcoming atmosphere where all individuals feel valued.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders and governors taking their responsibilities seriously. Staff receive thorough training to protect pupils from harm, and meticulous records are maintained to address any concerns regarding pupil safety. The curriculum also includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, such as participating in local safety events.
In summary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering their academic and personal development while ensuring their safety and well-being.
