St Ann's RC Primary School, located on Derbyshire Lane in Stretford, Manchester, recently underwent an Ofsted inspection on February 25-26, 2020. The school, catering for children aged 3 to 11, has been rated as 'Good' in overall effectiveness, a change from its previous 'Outstanding' rating from December 2007. The inspection team evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as 'Good'.
The school has made significant strides in its curriculum, reflecting high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The curriculum meets national standards and is designed to ensure that pupils achieve well across most subjects. However, there are some inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculum, leading to gaps in knowledge in certain areas.
Pupils at St Ann's exhibit positive behavior and a strong sense of pride in their school. They feel safe and supported, with adults readily available to address any concerns. The school fosters a happy environment where bullying is rare, and any conflicts are resolved swiftly.
The school emphasizes personal development, encouraging pupils to engage with the local community through fundraising events and performances. Pupils take on various roles, such as play leaders and lunchtime monitors, which help them develop responsibility and citizenship skills.
The leadership team, including governors, is committed to supporting staff and ensuring a positive working environment. Staff members feel valued and report good teamwork and communication within the school.
The early years provision is effective, with staff skilled in developing children's spoken language. However, there are variations in staff knowledge and expectations, particularly in mathematics, which can affect children's achievement.
Areas for improvement highlighted in the inspection include the need for some teachers to implement the curriculum more effectively to ensure all pupils achieve equally well across subjects. Leaders must ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and understanding to set high expectations for all areas of learning in the early years, particularly in mathematics. Although recent efforts have improved phonics teaching, the school must continue to build on this success to maintain high standards in reading.
St Ann's RC Primary School has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, as evidenced by the positive feedback from the inspection. While the school has made significant progress, particularly in curriculum development and personal development, there are still areas that require attention to ensure all pupils reach their full potential. The school community, including parents and staff, is encouraged to continue supporting these efforts as they strive for excellence in education.
For more information about St Ann's RC Primary School, visit their website at www.stannsrcprimary.co.uk.
