St Paul's Catholic Primary School, located in Kings Norton, Birmingham, underwent an inspection on November 16 and 17, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as Good.
The school is characterized by a supportive community atmosphere where pupils feel valued and safe. The leadership and staff prioritize creating a caring environment that fosters self-esteem and mutual respect among students. Pupils enjoy attending school and demonstrate confidence in their interactions with peers. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students acquire a broad knowledge base across various subjects while developing a love for learning. Teachers engage students with interesting lessons, preparing them well for secondary education by the end of Year 6.
Pupils are eager learners who collaborate effectively during lessons and appreciate recognition for their achievements. During breaks, they engage in games or reading, contributing to a positive school culture. The school has established a strong anti-bullying ethos, with pupils expressing trust in staff to address any issues that arise. Older students take on roles as mediators, helping to resolve conflicts among their peers.
Teachers work collaboratively to deliver a well-structured learning program that promotes good progress. They ensure that pupils grasp concepts before advancing to new material, particularly in subjects like mathematics and history. The transition between year groups is smooth, and relationships between pupils and staff are positive, fostering an environment conducive to learning.
St Paul's is part of a multi-academy trust, which has facilitated the development of the curriculum in collaboration with other schools. However, some foundation subject leaders have not yet completed the adaptation of the curriculum due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While assessment practices are generally effective, inconsistencies exist in some subjects where curriculum work is incomplete.
The early years provision is strong, with staff effectively preparing children for key stage one. The curriculum aligns well with the expectations for later stages, and children make good progress in their early years. However, the personal, social, and emotional development aspect of the curriculum requires more structure.
Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction beginning in Nursery. Pupils in Reception and Year 1 make rapid progress, and those who struggle receive additional support. By the end of Year 1, most pupils can read well for their age, and support continues into Year 2 for those who need it.
The school promotes the development of well-rounded individuals through various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and charity events. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the school community, enhancing their sense of belonging and understanding of different cultures through partnerships with schools abroad.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. The school fosters a culture of safety and awareness regarding risks, including online behaviors.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that curriculum leaders in foundation subjects complete their work on adapting the curriculum to the school's context. Additionally, the early years curriculum for personal, social, and emotional development should be more detailed to ensure consistency in practice. Overall, St Paul's Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
