Our Lady & St Edward Primary & Nursery Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 May 2024

Our Lady and St Edward Primary and Nursery Catholic Voluntary Academy is a school where the mission to ensure that children are 'kind, respect differences and show compassion to all' is lived out. It is an inclusive school. One pupil echoed the views of many when they described the school as a 'Christian community where all are valued.' Pupils show kindness towards each other. The school has high expectations of all pupils. Most pupils work hard to achieve these expectations. Staff know the pupils and their families well. Pupils talk about how they are supported to become confident learners. Recent work around developing pupils' communication skills means that pupils feel confident in sharing their views with others. Behaviour around the school is positive. Pupils know that they can talk to any member of staff if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils benefit from being able to take on leadership roles. For example, pupils act as eco-warriors, librarians, well-being champions and house captains. Pupils are proud to take on these roles. Older pupils act as good role models to younger pupils.

What the school should improve

• Some of the targets that the school has written for pupils with SEND are not precise and measurable. Teachers do not always receive sufficient guidance about how to meet pupils' needs. As a result, pupils with SEND do not build their knowledge as well as they could. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and information they need to enable them to consistently help pupils with SEND to build their knowledge.
• The school has not ensured that the curriculum is consistently well implemented in some subjects. Some teachers do not always present information clearly enough or select the most appropriate methods and resources to ensure that all pupils are able to learn and remember the information that they need. This means that some pupils do not develop a deep understanding of the subjects Academy 3 they are learning. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and confidence to teach the curriculum consistently well.
• Pupils say that they would like a greater range of regular opportunities to join clubs and take part in activities. The lack of such opportunities means that some pupils miss out on developing their interests and talents to support their wider development. The school should ensure that it provides the necessary breadth of opportunities for all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged, to enable pupils to explore their interests and develop their skills.

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