St Matthew's Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school has maintained a positive trajectory since its last inspection, which was 14 years ago when it was rated outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school's commitment to providing a quality education, with good ratings across various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The school promotes a culture of aspiration and entrepreneurship among its students. Older pupils are encouraged to participate in running a tuck shop, fostering practical skills and responsibility. Additionally, partnerships with local high schools aim to inspire students towards careers in STEM fields. The curriculum has been enhanced, particularly in mathematics, leading to improved understanding among pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most students achieve well during their time at the school.
Pupils express appreciation for the supportive relationships they have with staff, contributing to a safe and caring environment. They engage actively in lessons and demonstrate sensible behavior throughout the school. The school values student input, particularly regarding extracurricular activities, with school councillors gathering suggestions from classmates to present to school leaders. Recent initiatives have expanded the range of sports clubs and introduced unique options like a trading card club and a slime club.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with clear expectations outlined for each year group. The school has effectively broken down learning objectives into manageable steps, aiding teachers in delivering content coherently. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the early years curriculum, where connections to the national curriculum subjects need strengthening. This gap can hinder pupils from building on their prior knowledge as they transition to key stage one.
While most subjects are taught effectively, a few are not delivered consistently across the school, partly due to recent staffing changes. The school recognizes the need for better oversight in these areas to address deficiencies promptly. Assessment strategies are employed effectively to monitor pupil learning, with some subjects utilizing assessment data to identify and address knowledge gaps.
The school is proactive in supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate adaptations to access the curriculum. Reading initiatives are being developed, including a new library and participation in local reading challenges. The phonics program is delivered effectively, enabling most pupils to achieve fluency and confidence in reading by the end of Year 1.
Personal development is prioritized, with pupils engaging in debates, charitable activities, and community initiatives. They learn about safety and well-being, and they value the extracurricular experiences offered, including residential trips. The school emphasizes attendance and has implemented strategies to address barriers to regular attendance, resulting in most pupils attending consistently.
Governors play an effective role in providing strategic direction and responding to feedback from staff and parents. The school has taken steps to improve staff workload and well-being, with most staff feeling supported. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, it must address specific areas to enhance the consistency and effectiveness of its curriculum delivery, particularly in the early years and certain subjects.
