Catcliffe Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 January 2023

Pupils behave exceptionally well. Leaders' expectations for how pupils should behave are exceedingly high. There is a clear reward system that motivates pupils. Older pupils help younger pupils record and add up their 'CAT tokens'. Pupils love the opportunity to exchange these for toys or stationery at the school's reward shop, 'Brainsbury's'. Staff encourage pupils to learn respect for others and to be kind. The 'tribe system' enables this kindness and respectfulness to be seen across all year groups. New pupils immediately join a tribe, where they are made to feel welcome. Pupils know what racism is and what forms bullying may take. They say unequivocally that this type of behaviour is not tolerated in their school. This is a small school where staff work together successfully to make sure that pupils are safe and happy. Parents and carers who either spoke to inspectors or completed the Ofsted questionnaire responded positively. Parents noted that they 'cannot praise the school highly enough' and that 'all staff are welcoming, warm and vibrant'. Many praised the approachability of school leaders and how they have 'transformed the school'. Staff have developed a carefully thought-out curriculum which gives pupils the knowledge that they need for the next stage of their education. Pupils are eager and enjoy learning.

What the school should improve

• Some teaching staff do not have the expertise to develop pupils' emerging writing skills. Consequently, children in the early years and pupils in key stage 1 do not progress in writing as well as they should do. Leaders should ensure that teaching staff receive the training needed to better support children's writing.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)