St. Austin’s Catholic Primary School in Stafford has maintained its good standing in the recent Ofsted inspection conducted on February 27, 2019. The leadership team, led by Executive Headteacher Mrs. Bernadette Corbett, has effectively upheld the school's educational standards since her appointment in January 2017. The school's collaboration with governors and staff has led to the identification of improvement priorities and the enhancement of existing practices, fostering a strong culture of learning.
The inspection highlighted the warm and welcoming environment of the school, where pupils are well cared for. Parents and carers expressed high levels of satisfaction, with all respondents indicating they would recommend the school to others. Pupils reported high levels of happiness, pride in their learning, and a strong sense of trust in the adults around them. Their excellent behavior, understanding of diversity, and interest in learning about different faiths were noted.
The school offers enriching activities such as educational trips and participation in events like the Young Voices concert in Birmingham. Staff morale is high, with many expressing pride in their work and appreciation for the support they receive. The local governing body and MAC directors provide effective challenge and support.
The inspection addressed previous recommendations, noting improvements in the transition from early years to Year 1 and the development of middle leadership roles. Safeguarding measures were found to be effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded throughout the school. The school's academic performance, particularly in writing outcomes for pupils by the end of key stage 2, was highlighted.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, integrating Catholic virtues and British values to prepare pupils for life beyond primary education. Areas for further improvement include ensuring consistently high expectations in foundation subjects and addressing attendance rates, especially among disadvantaged pupils. The next steps for the school include maintaining high standards across all subjects and improving attendance rates.
Overall, the inspection concluded with a positive outlook for St. Austin’s Catholic Primary School, emphasizing its commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational environment. The report will be published on the Ofsted website to ensure transparency and accountability in the school's ongoing development.
