Our Lady and St Thomas Catholic Primary School in Willington, County Durham, underwent an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The headteacher, Ruth Veitch, leads the school, which is part of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, overseen by CEO Michael Shorten and chair Yvonne Coates.
Pupils at the school express a strong enthusiasm for attending, enjoying their lessons in a friendly and inclusive environment. They demonstrate politeness, kindness, and courtesy towards each other and adults, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour and achievement, with pupils exhibiting excellent conduct both in lessons and throughout the school. Older students serve as role models for younger children, fostering positive behaviours such as taking turns and listening attentively.
The school actively engages with pupils to address their concerns and seeks their input on various issues, contributing to a safer learning environment. Pupils take on leadership roles, such as school councillors and ambassadors for subjects like mathematics and art, which helps develop their character and sense of responsibility within the school and the wider community.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing for clear learning objectives from Nursery to Year 6. In the early years, staff effectively link learning areas to children's interests and themes. Teachers design lessons that reinforce important knowledge, ensuring pupils retain what they have learned. The staff possess strong subject knowledge and utilize resources effectively to clarify complex concepts, promoting the correct use of subject-specific vocabulary.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with adults reading carefully selected books to pupils daily. Children are encouraged to engage with stories and songs, and parents are supported in reading with their children. Reading ambassadors play a vital role in promoting literacy through events and initiatives, successfully enhancing the school library's resources. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, with leaders identifying pupils at risk of falling behind. However, some early readers encounter challenges with books that do not align with their phonics knowledge, and inconsistencies in phonics lesson delivery can hinder progress for a small number of pupils.
The school supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by ensuring they learn the same curriculum as their peers. However, the plans for supporting these pupils lack clarity, leading to some learning activities not being well-suited to their needs. Behaviour across the school is exceptional, with strong relationships between staff and pupils. Early years children are well-supported, and older pupils appreciate the rewards for their positive attitudes.
Leaders provide a comprehensive program for teaching life skills, ensuring pupils understand healthy relationships and safety in various contexts. The trust overseeing the school has a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for development, offering effective support and challenge. Staff receive high levels of support, contributing to a positive work environment where they feel valued.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school needs to ensure consistent delivery of phonics lessons and better match reading materials to pupils' phonics knowledge. Additionally, the support plans for pupils with SEND should be more precise to enhance their learning experiences. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
