Catcliffe Primary School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement 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, while behavior and attitudes were noted as outstanding.
Pupils at Catcliffe Primary School exhibit exceptional behavior, reflecting the high expectations set by school leaders. The school has implemented a clear reward system that motivates students, with older pupils assisting younger ones in tracking their achievements through a token system. The reward shop, known as Brainsbury's, is a popular feature where pupils can exchange tokens for toys or stationery. The school fosters a culture of respect and kindness, with a tribe system that promotes inclusivity and support among students. New pupils are welcomed into their tribes, ensuring they feel included from the start. The school actively addresses issues of racism and bullying, with pupils reporting that such behaviors are not tolerated.
The school community is small, allowing staff to collaborate effectively to ensure a safe and happy environment for all pupils. Parents and carers have expressed high praise for the school, highlighting the welcoming nature of the staff and the positive changes implemented by school leaders. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip pupils with the necessary knowledge for their future education, and students demonstrate eagerness and enjoyment in their learning experiences.
Reading is a key focus at Catcliffe Primary School, with leaders ensuring that pupils are exposed to a variety of texts. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of literature, with students studying fiction, non-fiction, and poetry each half term. Teachers receive ongoing training to enhance their phonics instruction, and the school provides ample resources, including two libraries, to encourage reading. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive additional support to help them navigate the complexities of learning to read.
The curriculum is organized around half-termly projects, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. In mathematics, pupils express a love for the subject and demonstrate confidence in their arithmetic skills, which aids them in tackling more complex calculations. Teachers actively monitor pupils' understanding and address any gaps in knowledge through a well-established system of assessment.
In the early years, staff effectively engage with children to develop their mathematical skills, vocabulary, and social abilities, preparing them for future educational stages. Leaders regularly evaluate the curriculum and have identified areas for improvement, particularly in writing and communication skills among younger pupils, partly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. New strategies have been introduced to enhance vocabulary and spoken communication, although there is a need for more opportunities for younger children to practice their writing skills.
The school offers a broad curriculum that provides pupils with diverse experiences, including outdoor learning and various clubs. Pupils express aspirations for their future careers and understand the importance of hard work and knowledge in achieving their goals. They appreciate the supportive and kind environment fostered by the school community.
Staff at Catcliffe Primary School work collaboratively, sharing responsibilities and feeling valued by leadership. The trust provides support and facilitates regular meetings among subject leaders to enhance the curriculum. Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough recruitment checks and ongoing training for staff to ensure pupil safety. Overall, Catcliffe Primary School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a nurturing educational environment for its pupils.
