St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Huyton has achieved a positive Ofsted report following their latest inspection.
The school was judged to have a “Strong Standard” for Personal Development and Wellbeing and have the “Expected Standard” for Curriculum and Learning, Early Years, Inclusion, Leadership and governance.
Inspectors noted:-
- Pupils’ personal development and wellbeing are central to the work of the school.
- The personal development programme is well designed, highly effective and shaped to meet the needs of the school community.
- Leaders have a clear oversight of pupils’ participation in enrichment activities. They make adjustments to ensure that pupils have full access to all opportunities.
- Leaders have developed the curriculum so that it is ambitious. Staff are trained to deliver the curriculum effectively.
- Leaders have made developing pupils’ communication and reading skills a priority.
- Leaders make sure that children get off to the best start to their school journey. They plan transition into the early years with care.
- Children settle well and develop positive learning behaviours that set them up well for future learning.
- Leaders have strengthened the early years curriculum. There is a sharp focus on developing children’s language, early reading and vocabulary.
- Staff work proactively with parents and external professionals to understand any barriers that children face.
- Leaders identify pupils’ individual needs quickly when they join the school and as their needs change.
- Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receive effective pastoral support, bespoke interventions and adaptations to teaching. This ensures that pupils participate in all aspects of school life.
- Leaders, including governors, want the best for the pupils, staff and families at St Aidan’s.
- Leaders have a clear understanding of what is working well in the school and what needs to improve. They use this knowledge to further develop the school with precision.
- Leaders ensure that staff have access to high-quality professional learning and training opportunities.
- Governors have an accurate understanding of the school. They ensure that they have the expertise to fulfil their roles effectively. Governors’ skills allow them to provide targeted support and challenge to leaders.
Inspectors noted that Achievement needs attention, with gaps in learning being addressed by leaders, and Attendance levels also need addressing, although it was noted that attendance is steadily improving overall. Leaders have sharpened their focus on ensuring that pupils attend more regularly.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said “I was delighted to read this Ofsted report, and particularly the emphasis and the outcome achieved for personal development and wellbeing. A key priority is for children to get the very best start in life, so it was great that inspectors noted that pupils at the school settle well and develop positive learning behaviours that set them up well for future learning. Well done to everyone involved.”