St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School in Billingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school fosters a caring environment where both pupils and staff feel valued and supported. Strong relationships are evident throughout the school community, with staff serving as positive role models. High expectations for behavior are set by teachers and leaders, resulting in a polite and respectful atmosphere among pupils. The school emphasizes the importance of cooperation and respect from the early years, teaching children to share and support one another. Since returning from remote learning, pupils have reported feeling calmer, and instances of bullying have significantly decreased due to effective intervention by adults.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, school leaders have continued to enhance the curriculum. The curriculum plans are effective and well-implemented in most classes, although some younger pupils have experienced setbacks. Teachers have adapted their methods to ensure that learning builds on prior knowledge, helping pupils to catch up. Parents generally express high regard for the school, noting its friendly and supportive nature. The lead inspector observed that staff are well-acquainted with pupils and their families, contributing to a strong sense of community.
The school excels in its ambitious curriculum, developed in collaboration with other schools in the trust. Recent changes have focused on improving mathematics and vocabulary development across all subjects, starting in the early years. Pupils in Year 6 have shown improvement in their understanding of fractions, demonstrating the effectiveness of these changes. Reading is prioritized, with daily reading sessions and storytime from Nursery to Year 6. Teachers select engaging texts, and initiatives like the Reading Challenge encourage pupils to read widely. Phonics instruction is a key focus, with all staff trained to deliver the phonics program consistently, enabling young children to become fluent readers.
In subjects like history and geography, the curriculum is designed to build essential knowledge from the early years. However, leaders recognize the need for further development in ensuring that all teachers effectively build on pupils' prior knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, particularly following the pandemic, with leaders collaborating with specialist services to address increased anxiety among these pupils.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that promote personal development, including clubs for gardening, cooking, and music. Pupils are encouraged to engage in community initiatives, such as recycling programs, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Governors and trustees are attentive to staff well-being, providing support and guidance as needed.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and are vigilant in monitoring pupils' well-being. Leaders act promptly to address any concerns, ensuring that all pupils feel safe and supported.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, teachers' subject knowledge needs further development to ensure that new learning builds effectively on what pupils already know. Additionally, regular assessment practices should be implemented to help teachers gauge pupils' understanding and retention of previously taught material. Overall, St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
