Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Voluntary Academy in Armthorpe, Doncaster, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving a Good rating across all key areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a caring and supportive environment where every pupil and staff member is valued. The ethos of kindness and encouragement is deeply embedded in the school culture, as reflected in the sentiments of the pupils who emphasize the importance of being kind and not judging others.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour and demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning and peers. They feel secure in the knowledge that any instances of bullying will be addressed by the adults in the school. The school encourages pupils to identify a trusted adult to whom they can turn for support with any concerns. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential, providing a variety of enriching experiences such as participation in a school choir, residential trips, fundraising activities, and visits to care homes. The well-being afternoons, which include activities like yoga and meditation, are particularly appreciated by the pupils.
The school has made significant strides in involving parents and carers in their children's education. Home visits are conducted for all new pupils, and regular workshops and events are organized to keep parents informed about their children's learning. The leadership team has successfully implemented improvements in pupil achievement and behaviour, with a focus on supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
While the curriculum in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science is well-structured and sequenced, some subjects, such as art, require further development to ensure that learning builds effectively on prior knowledge. The school is actively addressing these areas for improvement. Reading is a priority, with a structured approach to phonics that begins in Reception and continues until pupils are proficient. Most pupils meet the expected standards in reading assessments, and additional support is provided to those who struggle, including those with special educational needs.
Pupils' personal development is nurtured effectively, contributing to the warm relationships within the school community. Both pupils and parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting the positive learning environment and the emphasis on well-being. However, attendance remains a challenge, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, and the school is working to improve this aspect.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with a strong culture of safety established by the leadership team. Staff are well-trained and confident in raising concerns, and the curriculum includes ample opportunities for pupils to learn about safety in various contexts.
Overall, while the school has made commendable progress since its last inspection, there are areas that require ongoing attention, particularly in curriculum development and improving attendance for specific groups of pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to addressing these challenges to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education and support.
