St Peter's Catholic Primary School, located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school, which is part of St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Academy Trust, is led by executive headteacher Andrew Krlic. The inspection took place on 5 and 6 March 2024, marking the first routine inspection since the school became an academy.
Pupils at St Peter's demonstrate pride in their school and embody Catholic values, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. The school is inclusive, catering for the needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils express appreciation for the support they receive from staff, who are attentive to their concerns, fostering a sense of safety and happiness within the school community.
The curriculum has been developed and refined since the school’s academisation, with leaders maintaining high expectations for all pupils. Staff are ambitious for their students, motivating them to achieve their best. Pupils enjoy recognition for their hard work, such as earning a ‘golden ticket’ to have lunch with the headteacher. The school also emphasizes environmental stewardship and community involvement, with activities like tree planting and litter collection, helping pupils learn the importance of being good citizens.
Overall, parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, appreciating the education and support provided. However, some parents have raised concerns about communication from the school.
The ambitious curriculum begins in Reception, where children develop positive attitudes toward learning. Pupils benefit from various experiences, including visits to local historical sites, which enhance their understanding of history and geography. In subjects like reading and mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to learn content in a logical order. However, in a few foundation subjects, the sequence of knowledge is not clearly mapped, which can hinder pupils' ability to connect previous learning with new concepts.
In mathematics, teachers effectively explain concepts and reinforce prior learning through activities like quick-fire multiplication questions. However, there are instances where misconceptions are not identified and addressed promptly, affecting pupils' readiness for subsequent lessons.
The school promotes a love of reading from an early age, with a well-structured phonics curriculum in place. Pupils enjoy a variety of books that enhance their vocabulary and language skills. Regular assessments ensure that pupils receive the necessary support to catch up if needed, leading to strong outcomes in reading.
Pupils with special educational needs receive timely identification of their needs, with effective support enabling them to participate in the same tasks as their peers. Staff benefit from regular training and support, ensuring they can implement effective strategies for developing language and communication skills.
The school has implemented a new behaviour policy that is well understood by pupils, who appreciate the rewards system in place. Attendance is prioritized, with leaders working closely with parents to improve rates.
Personal development is a key focus, with the Catholic ethos promoting understanding of equality and celebration of diversity. The curriculum includes essential life skills, such as understanding healthy relationships and online safety. Pupils enjoy a range of extracurricular activities that contribute to their overall well-being.
Leaders at all levels are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that actions taken benefit all pupils. Staff feel supported in managing their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to clarify the important knowledge in some foundation subjects and ensure that misconceptions in mathematics are addressed promptly. Additionally, enhancing communication with parents will help to strengthen the school community.
