Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Swindon, Wiltshire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Holy Cross are described as proud and happy to attend the school, demonstrating a strong understanding of the school's values, which promote kindness, respect, and tolerance. They are polite and considerate towards both adults and peers, reflecting the high expectations set by the staff. The school fosters a safe environment where bullying is rare, and pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by adults.
The school emphasizes a positive attitude towards learning, with pupils engaging in a diverse range of literature that connects to their studies in other subjects. Beyond academics, pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, including chaplaincy, dance, chess, and sports clubs, which help them develop their talents and interests. Leadership opportunities are also available, with pupils taking on roles such as librarians and school councillors.
Leaders at Holy Cross have established a clear vision and high expectations for educational outcomes. They have sought external support to enhance learning and have designed an ambitious curriculum that builds knowledge over time. While many subjects are well-implemented, some are still in the early stages of development. The school prioritizes reading, ensuring that children learn to read from the outset. A comprehensive reading curriculum incorporates a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, fostering a love for reading among pupils.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In some subjects, leaders have not clearly defined the key vocabulary that pupils should learn, which can hinder their ability to engage with the curriculum effectively. Additionally, subject leadership is still developing, and there is a need for leaders to evaluate the impact of the curriculum more precisely to understand how well pupils are learning.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with some areas, such as mathematics and early reading, effectively identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge. In contrast, other subjects may not build on prior knowledge as effectively, leading to less successful learning outcomes. Leaders are also focused on personal development, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of fundamental British values and respect for diverse beliefs.
The school has effective systems in place for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff receive necessary training, and adaptations are made to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum. Leaders are working to enhance parental involvement in reviewing targets and evaluating support.
Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff and governors well-informed about their responsibilities. Leaders maintain effective communication with external agencies to ensure that pupils and families receive the necessary support.
Overall, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, with a strong focus on creating a positive learning environment and fostering personal development. Continued attention to curriculum implementation, vocabulary development, and assessment practices will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
