St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School in Nottingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 7 and 8, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where leaders maintain high expectations for both academic achievement and student conduct. Pupils express that staff are kind and supportive, and parents appreciate the assistance their children receive. The classrooms are calm and orderly, fostering engagement in learning activities. Students demonstrate politeness and respect, and they understand the school's guiding principle of treating others well.
During playtime, pupils enjoy well-equipped outdoor spaces, and Year 6 students take on the role of 'playground buddies' to help younger students interact positively. A variety of after-school clubs, including Irish dancing, art, multi-sports, choir, and drama, are available, allowing pupils to engage in extracurricular activities. The school encourages student involvement in its community through roles such as eco-warriors, reading ambassadors, and members of the school council. Educational trips and activities, such as a drama workshop on the Suffragettes for Year 1 pupils, enhance the curriculum.
The school excels in its well-planned and ambitious curriculum, which outlines key knowledge and skills for pupils. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively present information, using questioning techniques to assess understanding. Pupils have ample opportunities to discuss their learning, particularly in mathematics, where they articulate their reasoning using appropriate vocabulary. This approach contributes to their strong performance in the subject.
Assessment practices are utilized effectively to identify misconceptions and learning gaps, ensuring that pupils receive additional support when needed. Retrieval activities at the start of lessons help reinforce key knowledge. The work produced by pupils indicates that they progress well through the curriculum.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), providing tailored support to ensure their access to the curriculum. Many pupils with SEND achieve well due to the additional help they receive in small groups. Reading is a priority, with staff trained to deliver an effective early reading scheme. Pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge, and those needing extra support participate in targeted sessions to enhance their reading skills.
The early years foundation stage curriculum is also well-structured, preparing children for their next educational phase. Staff engage with children to develop their vocabulary, and children follow clear routines, demonstrating engagement in their learning.
The school promotes positive behavior through a fair behavior policy, and pupils understand the importance of respect and positive attitudes towards learning. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is comprehensive, covering topics such as healthy eating, fitness, and cultural awareness, reinforcing the school's values of compassion, service, honesty, tolerance, courage, and integrity.
Leadership and management are effective, with staff feeling supported and their well-being considered. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the local governing body's monitoring of the school's performance. The trust is aware of this and plans to provide training to enhance governors' effectiveness in their roles.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff well-trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils feel safe and learn about various safety topics, including online safety and healthy relationships. Overall, St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
