Sacred Heart Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 March 2022

Leaders and staff put pupils first. The decisions they take and the learning activities they plan are in the best interests of the pupils. Leaders have raised expectations of everyone. They are determined to ensure that pupils do well. Pupils are at the heart of this school. Pupils talk confidently about their learning. They say that lessons challenge their brains and that teachers are good at making them think. They like the 'nothing new, just review' sessions that help them remember what they are learning. Pupils are enthusiastic about the 'power projects' they complete at home. In lessons, pupils work well together. They listen to each other and to the adults. Pupils are polite and courteous. Pupils are happy at school and know staff will help them if they need it. Older pupils told inspectors that bullying is not tolerated at Sacred Heart. When it happens, adults are very quick to respond. They help pupils think about their behaviour and support them to make the right choices. Pupils show respect to those around them, including visitors to the school. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously. They enjoy roles as play leaders, reading buddies and litter pickers. They develop resilience and resourcefulness. Pupils are proud of their school.

What the school should improve

• While the curriculum is well planned and sequenced, its implementation in a few subject areas is not consistently strong across the school. This is partly due to the pandemic, but also because of teachers' subject knowledge. It means that some pupils do not make as much progress as they might. Leaders should continue to provide training for staff in how to teach the full range of subjects effectively.
• Some staff do not always consider how best to teach each subject so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the learning easily. This means that some pupils are unable to develop or apply their skills as well as they might. Leaders should support staff so they can adapt learning appropriately to enable all pupils to learn effectively.
• The newly implemented behaviour policy is not yet consistently applied fully in all lessons and situations. This means that some pupils are not helped as well as they could be to manage their behaviour. Leaders should ensure that all staff apply the new behaviour policy consistently.

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