St Augustine’s RC Primary School, located on Beechwood Avenue in Darlington, County Durham, recently underwent its first routine inspection by Ofsted on 12 and 13 January 2022. The school, which became an academy in 2020, had not been inspected under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 prior to this, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020. The inspection aimed to evaluate the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Key Findings:
Quality of Education: Requires Improvement
The curriculum is still in development, with some areas not yet planned effectively. While pupils enjoy learning and engage well with subjects like science and physical education, inconsistencies in teaching methods, particularly in phonics, hinder overall progress. Some pupils find the work either too easy or too challenging due to a lack of tailored support.
Behavior and Attitudes: Good
The school fosters a friendly environment where pupils feel safe and supported. Most students behave well, and there are clear expectations set by the leadership. However, some issues with lunchtime and playtime behavior persist, and instances of bullying have been reported, though pupils are confident in reporting these issues.
Personal Development: Good
The school prioritizes personal development, promoting healthy lifestyles and good citizenship. Pupils participate in various activities that enhance their understanding of diversity and community responsibility.
Leadership and Management: Requires Improvement
Recent changes in leadership have brought about some positive developments, but the pace of improvement has not been swift enough. The interim executive headteacher has a clear vision for the school, but more robust monitoring and support systems are needed to ensure consistent quality across all areas.
Early Years Provision: Requires Improvement
The early years curriculum lacks sufficient development and does not adequately prepare children for the transition to Year 1. Leaders are aware of these shortcomings and are working to implement a more structured approach.
Strengths of the School:
Positive Learning Environment: Pupils describe the school as a family, where they feel safe and valued.
Engagement in Learning: Students show enthusiasm for subjects like science and reading, with many enjoying the new range of books available.
Support for Personal Development: The school effectively integrates personal, social, and health education into the curriculum, promoting healthy relationships and lifestyles.
Areas for Improvement:
Curriculum Development: Leaders must ensure that the curriculum is well-planned and sequenced across all subjects, particularly in foundation subjects and early years.
Phonics Instruction: There is a need for consistent and effective phonics teaching, with all staff receiving appropriate training to support pupils' reading development.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Senior leaders should implement robust monitoring systems to assess the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that all pupils, especially those with additional needs, receive the support they require.
Conclusion:
St Augustine’s RC Primary School has a strong foundation with a supportive community and engaged pupils. However, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and ensure that all students receive the best possible start to their learning journey. The leadership team is committed to making the necessary improvements, and with continued support and development, the school can achieve its goals.
For further information, visit the school’s website at www.staugustines.bhcet.org.uk.
