St Edmund’s RC Primary School in Little Hulton, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 September 2021. The school is characterized by a harmonious environment that is deeply rooted in Catholic values. Pupils arrive at school eager to learn and express appreciation for the care and guidance provided by their teachers. Feedback from students indicates that the teachers are the standout feature of the school, and parents also value the extensive support offered to their children.
The leadership team at St Edmund’s is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, which is positively reflected in the students' responses. Pupils report that incidents of bullying and name-calling are rare, and any unkind behavior is swiftly addressed by teachers. The school offers a variety of after-school activities, such as choir and athletics, and encourages pupils to take on roles like school councillors and buddy readers, fostering a sense of community involvement.
The curriculum at St Edmund’s is broad and ambitious, designed to provide the best experiences and opportunities for all pupils. Subject leaders have ensured that their plans align with the national curriculum and cater to the needs of all students, including those with SEND. Most curriculum plans are well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. For instance, in geography, younger pupils start with simple maps and progress to more complex geographical concepts as they advance through the school. Enrichment opportunities, such as field trips, are also integrated into the curriculum.
However, there are a few subjects where curriculum plans are not as well developed, leading to unclear connections between new learning and previously taught material. This gap can hinder pupils' ability to build on their existing knowledge. Leaders are encouraged to review these plans to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly identified, enabling pupils to retain more information as they progress through their education.
Reading is a priority at St Edmund’s, with staff receiving training to effectively deliver the phonics program. Pupils are provided with books that match their phonics knowledge, facilitating their progression to fluent reading. Older students express enthusiasm for the wide range of books available, and teachers support the development of comprehension skills through thoughtfully chosen texts.
Mathematics instruction is also effective, with staff utilizing recent training to enhance their teaching. Early years pupils demonstrate confidence in counting, while older students apply their understanding of place value to tackle more complex numerical tasks. The school promotes a calm and orderly environment, where pupils are willing to learn and engage actively in lessons.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with children in the early years settling in quickly and participating attentively in their learning. The school fosters positive behavior through recognition and rewards. Additionally, leaders have implemented strategies to promote pupils' well-being and resilience, teaching them various approaches to enhance self-confidence.
Staff members appreciate the support they receive from leaders and governors, expressing pride in being part of the St Edmund’s community. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to recognize and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. Overall, St Edmund’s RC Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with areas identified for improvement to further enhance the curriculum.
