Our Lady and St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School in Teignmouth, Devon, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 14 and 15, 2024. The school is led by Executive Headteacher Catherine Blatchford and is part of the Plymouth Cast multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Zoe Batten and a board of trustees chaired by Elizabeth Ruth O'Donovan. The school has a strong reputation among its pupils, who express pride in their school and demonstrate high levels of respect for one another. The school's vision fosters a caring and nurturing environment, allowing students to build positive relationships with both peers and adults.
The school maintains high expectations for student achievement and behavior, with most pupils consistently meeting these standards. They exhibit positive attitudes towards their education, behaving well during lessons and at playtimes. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing they can approach trusted adults with any concerns. Opportunities for student involvement in school life are abundant, such as through the play leaders who organize activities during social times. The school community actively promotes inclusivity, with pupils and staff rejecting bullying and discrimination.
The curriculum at Our Lady and St Patrick's has been designed to be ambitious and engaging, addressing areas for development identified in previous inspections. Early years education is particularly strong, with children learning in a vibrant environment that fosters positive learning behaviors and independence. The teaching of phonics begins early, and children show enthusiasm for reading and storytelling. Daily phonics sessions are conducted in early years and key stage one, with effective support systems in place for those who may struggle.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The depth of knowledge among pupils varies across subjects, with some areas needing more focus to ensure comprehensive understanding. Assessment practices in foundation subjects are not yet precise enough to track pupil knowledge effectively over time. Consequently, some pupils may not build their knowledge as thoroughly as possible. The school is encouraged to enhance its assessment strategies to better inform future learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are accurately identified, and their learning is adapted to ensure they can access the curriculum effectively. This inclusive approach allows these pupils to make strong progress alongside their peers. The school also prioritizes teaching pupils about safety, including online safety and awareness of local dangers, such as those associated with the sea.
The leadership team, including trust leaders and local governors, has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They provide meaningful support and challenge to ensure continuous improvement. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, contributing to a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
Overall, Our Lady and St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a nurturing environment. The school is well-regarded by its community, and with ongoing efforts to refine assessment practices and deepen knowledge across the curriculum, it is poised for continued success.
