Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection conducted from March 3 to March 4, 2020. The school is located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and serves pupils aged 4 to 11. The inspection highlighted that pupils enjoy their time at school and are engaged with the curriculum, particularly in reading and writing. The leadership team is ambitious and inspires students to appreciate the contributions of notable artists and composers. The school promotes a diverse understanding of different faiths and cultures through special assemblies and visits from community members.
Personal development is a key focus at Sacred Heart, with leaders emphasizing mental health and well-being. The school has received an award for its efforts in this area. Pupils learn to respect others and resolve conflicts, with some taking on roles as peer mediators. The school parliament has also taken initiative in community support, such as establishing a food bank when the local one closed. This demonstrates the pupils' commitment to social responsibility and caring for others.
Behavior at the school is commendable, with pupils feeling safe and understanding the various forms of bullying, which they report as infrequent. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils looking forward to storytelling assemblies led by the headteacher. The introduction of a new phonics curriculum has been positively received, although there are some discrepancies between the phonics taught and the reading materials provided to younger pupils. Nevertheless, older pupils demonstrate fluency and expressiveness in their reading.
In mathematics, pupils perform well, and the subject leader has implemented a sequenced curriculum that aids in developing fluency in number and arithmetic. Teachers effectively link mathematical concepts to real-life situations, enhancing pupils' understanding and enjoyment of the subject. The school is also working to improve its wider curriculum, with pupils developing geographical skills through historical studies.
The early years foundation stage is particularly strong, with children engaging in active learning inspired by books. They quickly become confident in their counting and writing skills, preparing them well for Year 1. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and music, ensuring that all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to these opportunities.
Staff members appreciate the support provided by leaders in managing their workload, contributing to a positive working environment. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained and aware of the procedures to protect pupils. The curriculum includes lessons on online safety and decision-making, equipping older pupils with the skills to navigate various situations safely.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. The sequencing of the curriculum in some subjects needs to be clearer to help pupils build on their knowledge effectively. Additionally, the reading materials for younger pupils should align more closely with the phonics they are learning to ensure they can practice their skills appropriately. Overall, Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
