St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Hyson Green, Nottingham, has been rated as good in all areas following its inspection on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school’s vision emphasizes kindness and respect, fostering a positive environment where pupils feel happy and excited to learn. The relationships among pupils, teachers, and parents are strong, with parents expressing high satisfaction with the care and dedication shown by the staff. Teachers maintain high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to take pride in their work and strive for success in both academic and personal development.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior in lessons and throughout the school, describing it as a supportive community where everyone looks out for one another. They feel safe and confident, knowing that any issues, including bullying, are addressed promptly by staff. The school promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are integrated into the learning environment.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with a clear focus on developing pupils' vocabulary and language skills. Teachers build on pupils' learning progressively from Nursery to Year 6, although there are areas where leaders need to enhance their oversight of curriculum delivery to ensure consistency across subjects. While some subjects are monitored effectively, others lack regular checks, which can lead to variations in how well the curriculum is taught and understood by pupils.
Leaders are committed to inclusivity, aiming for all pupils to succeed. However, some learning plans for pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language are not always specific enough, which can hinder their progress. The school has prioritized reading, with a consistent approach to teaching that begins in the early years. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading through daily exposure to well-chosen books, and those who struggle receive the necessary support to improve their skills.
In the early years, children engage enthusiastically with stories and rhymes, quickly adapting to the high expectations set by the staff. The school environment is calm and purposeful, with pupils responding positively to instructions and enjoying a variety of activities during social times. Leaders ensure that pupils benefit from a broad range of experiences, including outdoor learning and community events, which help prepare them for future educational stages.
Governors and leaders share a unified vision for the school, prioritizing the well-being of both pupils and staff. Staff feel valued and supported, which contributes to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring that pupils learn how to keep themselves safe.
To improve further, leaders need to enhance the monitoring of curriculum implementation and provide clearer support for staff, particularly in meeting the needs of all pupils. This includes ensuring that learning plans are precise and tailored to individual requirements. Overall, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education in a nurturing environment, with clear areas identified for ongoing development.
