Ofsted conducted a visit to St Richard Reynolds Catholic Primary School on 1 October 2020, following the reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was part of a broader initiative to assess how schools were managing the return to full education. The visit was not an inspection, and no graded judgments were made. Instead, it aimed to gather insights into the school's operations during the autumn term.
During the visit, discussions were held with the headteacher, senior leadership team, and the senior leader responsible for safeguarding. However, due to protective measures in place, inspectors did not speak to pupils. The visit was part of Ofsted's effort to understand the impact of the pandemic on education and to share findings with the government and the education sector.
The school opened for pupils in Years 1 to 6 on 3 September 2020, with Reception children starting on 4 September. By 16 September, Reception children were attending full-time. Attendance levels were reported to be similar to those of the previous year, with only a small number of pupils not returning. The school maintained regular communication with the families of these pupils.
All pupils were studying the same subjects as usual, and teachers administered reading tests to identify specific areas needing focus within the reading curriculum. In response, the school implemented additional phonics teaching for younger pupils and increased reading opportunities. In mathematics, similar assessments were conducted to gauge pupils' understanding, with an emphasis on the use of mathematical language.
The school made adjustments to the English and mathematics curricula, including revisiting the spelling program and providing more writing opportunities. Other subjects, such as art and languages, continued to be taught regularly. Leaders planned to gather information from pupils and teachers to provide additional support for those who may need help in English and mathematics, with this support set to begin during the autumn term.
Teachers also prepared for the possibility of remote learning, should it be necessary. Plans included direct face-to-face sessions in English and mathematics, along with uploaded activities for other subjects for pupils to complete at home.
The visit did not reveal any significant concerns, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting. The insights gained from this visit will help inform future educational policies. The letter summarizing the visit will be shared with various stakeholders, including the chair of the governing body and the director of education for the diocese of Westminster, and will be published on the Ofsted website.
Overall, the visit highlighted the school's proactive approach to managing the challenges posed by the pandemic, ensuring that pupils received a comprehensive education while prioritizing their safety and well-being. The leadership's commitment to maintaining high educational standards and addressing the needs of all pupils was evident throughout the discussions. The school demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating the complexities of the current educational landscape, positioning itself well for future challenges.
