St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School in Stone, Staffordshire, has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection conducted on 29 and 30 March 2022. The school has demonstrated exceptional quality in various areas, including education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as good.
The school is characterized by a friendly and caring environment, where everyone strives to embody the mission of loving one another as children of God. Leaders maintain high expectations for academic success while also emphasizing the importance of developing pupils' consideration for others. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve exceptionally well due to the wide range of innovative activities provided by the school. The curriculum is designed to connect learning with real-world applications, allowing pupils to engage in projects that spark their interests and develop their talents.
Pupils enjoy attending school and exhibit exemplary behavior, working diligently and supporting one another. They communicate politely with peers and adults, and instances of bullying are reported to be very rare. The school has established a culture where pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly and effectively by the staff.
Leaders at St Dominic’s are ambitious for all pupils and have carefully crafted a curriculum that broadens experiences and deepens understanding. For instance, Year 6 pupils explore historical differences in the power of the monarchy, enhancing their knowledge of the past. The curriculum also fosters creativity, with all pupils learning to play a musical instrument and participating in workshops with professional musicians and actors. They engage in writing and performing their own productions, which are showcased to parents and the community.
Mathematics lessons incorporate practice and revision to reinforce knowledge, while reading is prioritized with staff selecting inspiring books to engage pupils. Daily reading sessions help develop a rich vocabulary, and phonics instruction begins in the Reception class, ensuring that younger children become fluent readers. Staff are attentive to pupils who struggle with reading, providing additional support to help them catch up.
Behavior in lessons and around the school is exemplary, with pupils understanding the importance of rules and the fair application of discipline by adults. The school offers a variety of memorable experiences, such as visits to wildlife centers, which enhance learning and broaden horizons. Pupils also develop leadership skills through roles such as school councillors, where they learn about democracy and responsibility.
The school actively involves pupils in decision-making processes, allowing them to influence aspects such as lunch options and environmental initiatives. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The school community is well-connected, with leaders working effectively with families and specialist agencies to provide necessary support.
Directors and governors play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring the effectiveness of their actions. The staff at St Dominic’s take pride in their work and appreciate the manageable workload facilitated by the leadership team. Overall, St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, fostering a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally.
