St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school, as confirmed by the recent inspection conducted on January 17 and 18, 2023. The school is committed to fostering an environment where all pupils are encouraged to achieve their best academically and personally. This commitment is shared among parents, staff, and students, creating a supportive community. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, noting that staff work diligently to ensure pupils make good progress and feel happy and well cared for.
The leadership at St Teresa’s is effective, with school values deeply embedded in their operations. Leaders aim for every pupil to develop a lifelong love of learning, emphasizing the importance of education in their future lives. Pupils are encouraged to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills, taking on roles such as student leaders and engaging in passion projects. This approach helps pupils thrive and feel a sense of ownership over their learning.
Pupils report feeling safe and happy at school, with parents echoing these sentiments. The school has established a culture where pupils can turn to trusted adults if they have concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and when issues arise, they are addressed promptly. The school’s curriculum is ambitious and caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils enjoy their studies, which fosters focus and eagerness to learn.
Teachers effectively utilize assessment strategies to inform their planning, ensuring that pupils build on their prior knowledge as they progress through the curriculum. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide support to teachers, contributing to the overall quality of education. However, some subjects, such as design technology, have recently undergone revisions, and there are concerns that the previous curriculum did not allow for logical progression in learning.
In the early years, children adapt well to school life, with additional support provided swiftly to those who need it. The early years curriculum is designed to prepare children for future learning in key stage one. Reading is a fundamental aspect of the curriculum, with pupils experiencing a wide range of texts. The school has prioritized early reading instruction, and most pupils become fluent readers. However, some staff have not yet fully implemented the new phonics curriculum, which has affected the reading fluency of a minority of pupils.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, contributing to a positive learning environment. The school offers a variety of opportunities for personal development, including visits and guest speakers, which enrich the learning experience. Staff are proud to work at the school, and leaders are mindful of their workload, implementing measures to support their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Teresa’s are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and how to keep themselves and others safe. Online safety is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that pupils are well-informed.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all staff receive adequate training in the new phonics curriculum to enhance reading fluency for all pupils. Additionally, in some subjects, the curriculum requires further development to ensure that pupils’ prior knowledge is considered before introducing new concepts. Overall, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School maintains a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
