St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Saffron Walden has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The headteacher, Mary Jo Hall, leads the school, which operates as a single-academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by David Brunwin. The school is well-regarded within the community, with pupils thriving in an environment filled with happiness and kindness. The behavior of the students is exceptional, and they adhere to a golden rule of treating each other fairly.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, with older students acting as buddies to help younger children settle into school life. This fosters lasting friendships as students progress through the school. Various leadership roles, such as house captains and school councillors, are taken seriously by the pupils, who appreciate the opportunity to elect their representatives. The staff at St Thomas More are dedicated to ensuring that students achieve their best across all areas of the curriculum, and the high expectations set by the teachers are well understood by the pupils.
The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum in recent years, starting from the early years and laying a solid foundation for future learning. The curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge, allowing pupils to experience lessons that are coherent and progressive. Reading is emphasized throughout the curriculum, with children being introduced to rich language and stories from their first day in the Reception class. Highly trained staff effectively teach early reading skills, ensuring that any pupils struggling with reading receive timely support to build their confidence and fluency.
As students advance through the school, they are exposed to a diverse range of carefully selected books, and older pupils are encouraged to read recommendations from their peers and teachers. The school promotes a culture of reading for pleasure, which is evident in the dedicated time allocated for this purpose. Teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively, using well-thought-out questions to assess pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly.
While the school has begun to review its assessment approach in some subjects, there are areas where checks on learning do not always yield precise information regarding pupils' retention of important knowledge and vocabulary. The school is working to establish a clearer method for assessing understanding across all subjects, which will enable teachers to adapt the curriculum as needed.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective support, with staff trained to identify and assist these students. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to ensure that all pupils can access the same learning opportunities. The school also prioritizes pupils' wider development, offering numerous enrichment opportunities that enhance their learning experience.
The governing body is actively involved in supporting staff and managing workloads, which has resulted in high levels of staff appreciation for the professional development provided. The school maintains strong engagement with parents, who generally express positive views about the institution. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive community, and promoting the personal growth of its pupils. The school is dedicated to ongoing improvement and is well-positioned to address areas for development identified during the inspection.
