Saint Peter’s Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024. The headteacher, Luisa Rinaldi-Oxley, leads the school, which is part of the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Neil Lockyer and a board of trustees chaired by Sarah Noon.
Pupils express pride and happiness in being part of this inclusive school, and parents appreciate the nurturing environment provided. Staff members greet students each morning, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Students report feeling safe and supported, with the school’s respect charter being a key component of their learning about respect and kindness. The school promotes a culture of helping one another, exemplified by Year 6 pupils organizing games for younger children during lunchtime.
The teaching staff is dedicated to making learning enjoyable, particularly in reading, where pupils engage eagerly during story times. Teachers set high expectations and provide challenging activities to stimulate critical thinking. Support is readily available, ensuring that all students can succeed, which is reflected in their academic achievements. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a familial atmosphere within the school. Pupils are aware of the behavior expectations and understand the traffic light system used to maintain discipline, which is rarely needed.
The curriculum is well-structured, outlining essential knowledge and skills for each subject and phase. In mathematics, for instance, pupils progress from ordering numbers in Reception to understanding negative numbers by Year 5. While most subjects are well-developed, a small minority of foundation subjects require further enhancement to ensure all pupils achieve the same level of knowledge and skills. Key learning sheets help reinforce important vocabulary and concepts, and regular quizzes aid retention. Teachers actively monitor pupil understanding during lessons, providing additional support as needed.
Reading instruction begins early, with pupils learning letter sounds and progressing to word formation. Children enthusiastically engage with their reading materials, and they take home books that align with their learning. This approach fosters a love for reading, and pupils become fluent readers who enjoy discussing their reading experiences. The school is proactive in identifying pupils who may need extra assistance, including those learning English or those with special educational needs. Support strategies are regularly reviewed, and parents are involved in setting targets.
Attendance and punctuality are prioritized, with the school collaborating with families to ensure consistent attendance. Pupils enjoy attending school, and this is reflected in high attendance rates. The school offers a variety of clubs and competitions, including music opportunities like learning the ukulele. The commitment to inclusion is evident, with older pupils taking on leadership roles to support their peers during playtimes.
The trust and local governing body work collaboratively to oversee the school’s operations, making regular visits to support and challenge the school effectively. Staff members feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive work environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve further, the school must ensure that knowledge, skills, and endpoints are clearly defined in all subjects, particularly in the foundation subjects, to support consistent pupil progress. This will help all students achieve their full potential and maintain the high standards established in other areas of the curriculum. Overall, Saint Peter’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
