Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Ignatius Catholic Primary School on 18 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the guidance of Mrs. Jacqueline Rush, has shown dedication to the school, its pupils, and the wider community. The deputy headteacher supports the headteacher effectively, and together they have fostered strong relationships with staff, who appreciate the leadership's commitment to their well-being.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and demonstrate high attendance rates, reflecting their positive experiences in lessons. They appreciate the engaging and varied curriculum, which includes a broad range of subjects and activities. The school promotes high standards of behavior, and pupils respond well to the expectations set by the staff. However, it was noted that the most-able pupils are not consistently challenged to deepen their understanding, particularly in writing.
The governing body provides support to the leadership team, utilizing their skills to understand reports and offer some challenge. However, their questioning lacks depth, which limits their ability to hold the leadership accountable for decisions impacting the school. The governing body tends to focus more on pastoral care rather than strategic improvement.
The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement by providing professional development for staff, enhancing opportunities for pupils to develop their reading, writing, and mathematical skills across subjects. Middle leaders have received training that has improved their understanding of the school's quality and pupil progress. The outdoor provision for early years has also been enhanced, offering more learning opportunities.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding issues, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe both in and out of school. The school environment fosters kindness and respect among pupils, who take pride in supporting one another.
The inspection highlighted the high-quality provision for three-year-olds, with well-planned activities that promote learning and development. Parents expressed satisfaction with the nursery, noting their children's progress and the supportive communication from staff. Teachers create motivating lessons and use assessments effectively to tailor work to pupils' needs. However, there is a need for greater challenge in lessons to ensure that all pupils, especially the most able, can progress effectively.
Leaders support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities well, ensuring they make good progress towards their targets. The leadership team has high expectations for all members of the school community and acts swiftly to address any weaknesses. They have strengthened the curriculum, particularly in reading, which has led to significant progress among pupils.
The school leaders recognize that governors need to enhance their accountability measures and understanding of the school's performance. The next steps for the school include ensuring that governors develop a sharper understanding of their role and that all pupils receive the necessary challenges to deepen their learning. Overall, the inspection affirmed the school's commitment to providing a good education and fostering a positive learning environment for all pupils.
