St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, located in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on March 13 and 14, 2023. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school opened as an academy, although it was previously judged to be outstanding before its conversion.
Pupils at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School express enjoyment in attending school, feeling safe and well cared for. The school emphasizes values of faith, achievement, and happiness, which are reflected in the positive relationships between pupils and staff. High expectations for behaviour are set by adults, and pupils respond positively, understanding the rules and receiving support in resolving conflicts. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and when they occur, they are addressed effectively by staff.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that pupils achieve their best. They have worked diligently to enhance the curriculum, ensuring that it is broad and engaging. Pupils are encouraged to maintain their mental and physical health and are well-prepared for future educational steps. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, musical performances, and sports competitions, which pupils take pride in. Responsibilities such as being a school councillor or a play leader are embraced by students, who also demonstrate respect for diverse religions and equality.
The curriculum has been carefully reviewed and improved, with teachers utilizing their strong subject knowledge to facilitate clear explanations of new concepts. This approach allows pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively. Teachers assess pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions, contributing to their overall achievement. For instance, Year 3 pupils can articulate the causes of volcanic eruptions using specific vocabulary, while early years children can discuss the needs of chicks once they hatch.
However, some subject leaders are relatively new and may lack experience in monitoring curriculum delivery across the school. While they possess strong subject knowledge and provide effective training, there is a need for more precise oversight of how the curriculum is implemented in all classes. Additionally, while the school has introduced a new approach to teaching mathematics, consistency in its application varies in a few classes, affecting some pupils' progress.
The school prioritizes reading, with early years children learning phonics from the outset. Staff are well-trained in teaching reading, and pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Support is provided for those at risk of falling behind, and pupils appreciate the variety of books available in their class libraries.
St Nicholas Catholic Primary School has effective systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The new SEND coordinator ensures that staff receive necessary training, allowing for adaptations in activities to ensure inclusivity. Pupils with SEND achieve well, and there is a positive impact on their behaviour and confidence.
Children in the early years settle quickly and exhibit curiosity and good behaviour. Staff collaborate closely with parents, and many express satisfaction with the school's support for their children. The leadership team emphasizes personal development, providing opportunities for pupils to learn about British values and engage in charitable activities.
Governors demonstrate a strong commitment to the school, holding leaders accountable and supporting staff well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify risks and provide necessary support. Overall, St Nicholas Catholic Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally.
