St Mary and St Peter Catholic Primary School in Gorleston, Norfolk, underwent an inspection on October 4 and 5, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at the school enjoy attending and feel safe, with staff readily available to address any concerns. The school has a clear understanding of bullying, and students trust that staff will handle any incidents effectively. During playtimes, pupils demonstrate kindness and good manners, and they engage positively during lessons, collaborating to meet high expectations set by their teachers. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and opportunities for older pupils to take on responsibilities, such as being part of the junior leadership team or participating in community service projects.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing teachers to understand what pupils need to learn. Adaptations are made to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most subjects have a clear progression from the Nursery Year to Year 6, building on prior knowledge. However, there are some subjects where vocabulary and concepts taught in the early years do not adequately prepare pupils for Year 1, leading to some difficulties in knowledge recall in Key Stage 1.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' learning at the end of each topic, which informs their teaching practices. While some subjects effectively use questioning and quizzes to reinforce learning, this practice is not yet consistent across all subjects. As a result, some pupils struggle to recall previously taught information.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a phonics program in place that outlines what pupils need to learn. Staff have received training to implement this program effectively, starting with sound recognition in the Nursery Year. Most pupils read fluently and enjoy their reading experiences. Early years activities are well-planned, allowing children to engage in both adult-led and independent play, fostering their development and resilience.
The school promotes personal development by teaching pupils about health, diet, and exercise, and it encourages understanding of equality and diversity through literature and community engagement. Strong connections with the local church enhance pupils' learning about different faiths and values.
Leadership at the school is effective, with a clear vision and support for staff development. Curriculum leaders have benefited from collaboration with other schools, which has helped improve various aspects of the curriculum. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring that pupils are kept safe and that staff are well-trained in recognizing and addressing concerns.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum in some subjects is aligned with early years learning to facilitate smoother transitions to Year 1. Additionally, there is a need for consistent practices across all subjects to enhance pupils' recall of important information. Overall, St Mary and St Peter Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
