Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as inadequate. The headteacher, Joseph Masley, leads the school, which is part of the St Gregory the Great Academy Trust. The trust provides support and oversight, ensuring that the school operates effectively within its framework.
The inspection, conducted on 22 and 23 November 2023, focused on various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The inspectors noted that the school has made substantial progress in addressing previous safeguarding concerns, which were highlighted in the earlier inspection in June 2023. The current safeguarding measures are now deemed effective, with clear systems in place for reporting and acting on concerns.
Pupils at Sacred Heart are described as proud of their school, demonstrating politeness and consideration towards one another and staff. The school fosters a culture of kindness and compassion, which is evident in the positive relationships among pupils and staff. The school encourages high expectations for behavior and academic achievement, and pupils respond positively, engaging actively in their learning. Classrooms are characterized by lively discussions and a focus on learning, with pupils feeling safe and supported.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' experiences, including fundraising, volunteering, and participation in competitions. These activities help develop pupils' interests and skills, preparing them to be active citizens. For instance, a visit to the Houses of Parliament inspired pupils to establish their own 'Pupil Parliament' within the school, demonstrating their understanding of civic engagement.
Leadership at Sacred Heart is marked by integrity and a strong moral compass. The school leaders value staff contributions and foster a culture of mutual respect. The executive leaders and trustees provide appropriate support and challenge, ensuring that the school continuously improves. The swift actions taken to address safeguarding issues have strengthened the overall culture of safety within the school.
The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn. However, some subjects require further development to ensure that all teachers have a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge pupils need to acquire. The school is particularly focused on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their learning needs are identified and met effectively.
Reading is a priority at Sacred Heart, with staff delivering the phonics curriculum effectively. Pupils are supported in developing their reading skills, and those who struggle receive additional help to catch up. The school promotes diversity and respect through its reading materials, exposing pupils to various cultures and faiths.
While the school monitors attendance closely and provides support to improve it, there are areas for improvement. Specifically, the school needs to enhance its use of information regarding gaps in knowledge for pupils who join mid-year, ensuring they catch up effectively. Additionally, the curriculum in a few subjects lacks clarity regarding prior knowledge and foundational concepts, which can hinder teachers' ability to prepare pupils for future learning.
Overall, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, creating a positive and supportive environment for pupils to thrive academically and personally. The school is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education.
