St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, located in Bedlington, Northumberland, recently underwent an Ofsted inspection from November 7 to 9, 2023. The school, part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. This marks a significant moment for the school as it was not previously inspected under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.
Key Findings from the Inspection
The inspection revealed several critical areas where the school needs to enhance its performance:
Quality of Education: The report highlighted that the quality of education provided to pupils is not adequate. The school has not clearly defined the essential knowledge that students need to acquire across all subjects, hampering the systematic development of pupils' knowledge and skills over time.
Behaviour and Attitudes: While pupils generally enjoy attending school and demonstrate good social skills, there are inconsistencies in behaviour management. Some students do not consistently adhere to classroom rules, leading to disruptions that affect learning. The school has not established uniform expectations for behaviour among staff, contributing to low-level disruptions in lessons.
Personal Development: The school is making strides in promoting personal development, helping pupils understand their emotions and maintain their health. However, inconsistencies in teaching aspects of the personal, social, and health education (PSHE) curriculum limit pupils' understanding of equality and diversity.
Leadership and Management: The leadership team, including headteacher Therese Worrall and CEO Anita Bath, is aware of the challenges facing the school. They are committed to improving the educational experience for all pupils but must ensure that staff receive adequate training to deliver the curriculum effectively.
Early Years Provision: The early years program has seen some positive changes, particularly in teaching reading. However, there is still a need for better training for staff to maximize opportunities for developing children's communication skills.
Areas of Strength
Despite the challenges, the inspection did note some positive aspects of St Bede’s:
Support for SEND Pupils: The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive the necessary help to be emotionally ready for learning.
Nurturing Environment: The school fosters a warm and caring atmosphere where pupils feel safe and secure. Most parents and carers express satisfaction with the care and support their children receive.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address the identified shortcomings, the inspection report outlines several recommendations:
Curriculum Development: The school must establish a clear and ambitious curriculum that outlines the crucial knowledge pupils need to learn and remember, breaking down the curriculum into manageable steps to facilitate progressive learning.
Behaviour Management: Leaders should ensure that behaviour policies are consistently applied across the school to minimize disruptions and enhance the learning environment.
Staff Training: Providing staff with the necessary training to improve their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills is essential for delivering the curriculum effectively.
Enhancing Understanding of Diversity: The school should equip staff with the training and confidence to teach all aspects of the curriculum, particularly those related to diversity and equality.
Conclusion
St Bede’s Catholic Primary School has the potential to improve significantly but requires a concerted effort from leadership, staff, and the wider community to address the areas highlighted in the Ofsted report. With a focus on enhancing the quality of education, managing behaviour effectively, and ensuring staff are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum, the school can work towards providing a more enriching educational experience for its pupils.
