Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as good during the inspection conducted on December 6 and 7, 2022. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment where strong relationships between staff and pupils are built on mutual respect. Pupils feel safe and happy, and incidents of bullying are rare, with staff addressing concerns promptly. The leadership team has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed with careful consideration of the community's needs, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future success.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and attentiveness during lessons, which is instilled from the early years. Older pupils understand their role as role models and assist younger students in making sensible choices. The school encourages pupils to contribute positively to school life, offering various leadership opportunities and extracurricular activities, including sports and musical theatre. The curriculum is ambitious and creative, focusing on essential knowledge that pupils need to thrive. Leaders emphasize social justice and environmental awareness, ensuring that the curriculum is well-structured from early years to Year 6.
Teachers are well-trained and possess a solid understanding of their subjects, employing appropriate activities to enhance pupils' learning. Regular assessments help identify misconceptions, allowing teachers to provide necessary support to keep pupils on track. Reading is prioritized, with daily phonics lessons for early years children and carefully matched reading materials to support their learning. Staff are quick to identify pupils who may struggle with phonics, providing effective interventions to help them catch up. Pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read, indicating a positive reading culture within the school.
The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting the curriculum delivery to ensure they can learn successfully. Positive learning behaviors are evident in early years, with pupils showing respect for one another and minimal disruption to learning. The school maintains a calm and orderly environment, with pupils engaging cooperatively during break times.
While the majority of pupils attend school regularly, a small number do not, which can hinder their learning and involvement in school activities. Leaders are encouraged to support these pupils in improving their attendance rates. The school provides a broad range of opportunities for personal development, teaching pupils about equality and diversity, and fostering respect for differences.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school and effectively hold leaders accountable for their performance. They are mindful of staff well-being and workload, contributing to a supportive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff receiving regular training to ensure they can identify and report any concerns regarding pupils' welfare. Staff are vigilant and act promptly on any issues, ensuring that pupils learn how to stay safe in the community and online.
Overall, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for its pupils. The school is well-regarded by parents and the community, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and safeguarding. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their educational journey.
