St Pius X Catholic Primary School, located in Middlesbrough, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on January 10 and 11, 2023, and the school is recognized for its strong leadership and commitment to providing a positive learning environment. The leaders of the school are ambitious for all pupils and emphasize a positive ethos centered on moral values. Pupils express that they feel cared for by the staff, who are attentive and supportive, encouraging them to strive for their best.
The behavior of pupils at St Pius X is exemplary, with bullying being a rare occurrence. When issues do arise, staff are quick to address them, fostering a sense of safety among students. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, with pupils adhering to established rules, such as walking safely in the corridors. The school promotes its aims of Aspire, Resilient, and Collaborate, which pupils actively engage with, looking forward to rewards for demonstrating these values.
Pupils enjoy a variety of clubs and experiences that broaden their interests, including educational visits to local attractions and engaging activities that enhance their learning. The curriculum has recently been updated, focusing on core knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn as they progress through the school. Subject leaders possess strong knowledge in their areas, and staff benefit from their expertise, which is particularly valuable for new teachers.
The school prioritizes phonics and reading, ensuring that children develop a love for reading from an early age. Teachers effectively implement the phonics program, providing necessary support for pupils who need to catch up. This focus on reading helps pupils become fluent readers, with older students engaging with more complex texts, such as Shakespeare.
The special educational needs coordinator ensures that teachers have the information needed to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to access the same curriculum, with tailored support to meet individual needs. The behavior of pupils is consistently positive, with staff modeling expected behaviors and providing excellent support for those who may struggle with emotional regulation.
Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the school and wider community, taking on roles such as digital leaders and members of the school council. They participate in environmental initiatives and enjoy mentoring younger students. The governing body is well-informed about the school’s effectiveness, with leaders providing detailed information to support decision-making.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders prioritizing the welfare of pupils. Staff are well-trained and quick to report concerns, ensuring that pupils learn about online safety and healthy relationships. The school conducts necessary checks on all adults working within the institution.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The new curriculum requires further embedding, particularly in foundation subjects, to ensure that all changes are effectively implemented. Leaders are encouraged to continue evaluating the curriculum's effectiveness to help pupils achieve the ambitious goals set for their learning. Overall, St Pius X Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
