St. Augustine’s RC Primary School in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough recently underwent a short inspection by Ofsted, marking the first review since being rated as 'good' in February 2012. The findings from this inspection reaffirmed the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education, with the leadership team successfully maintaining the good standards established in previous years.
The inspection highlighted the effective leadership of Mr. Martin Macaulay, the headteacher, who is recognized for his strong presence and ability to inspire both staff and pupils. The leadership team has fostered a culture of continuous improvement, with staff morale reported to be very high. The governing body is described as enthusiastic and committed, actively holding the school accountable and conducting regular audits to identify areas for development.
Pupils’ personal development was noted as exemplary, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available. The school promotes a caring ethos, encouraging pupils to express their thoughts and feelings. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to prioritize the safety and welfare of all pupils. The school has implemented effective procedures for monitoring attendance and ensuring pupils feel secure within the school environment.
The quality of education at St. Augustine’s is characterized by innovative teaching practices that cater to the diverse learning needs of pupils. Teachers are encouraged to take risks in their teaching, creating engaging and challenging lessons. The curriculum is designed to stimulate curiosity and foster a love of learning, with a particular emphasis on early reading skills. However, the inspection noted that some reading materials provided to pupils were not always aligned with their phonics knowledge, suggesting a need for improvement in this area.
Pupils at St. Augustine’s are achieving good standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school consistently exceeds national averages in early years development and phonics screening checks. While progress in core subjects is strong, the inspection identified that progress in other subjects could be enhanced to ensure a more balanced educational experience.
To build on its successes, the school leadership is encouraged to continue enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Additionally, there is a call to review the curriculum in non-core subjects to ensure that all activities align with intended learning outcomes. Ensuring that reading materials are appropriately matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge is a priority for future development.
In conclusion, St. Augustine’s RC Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with strong leadership and a commitment to pupil development. The recent Ofsted inspection confirms the school’s status as a good institution, with clear pathways for further improvement.
