Saint Patrick's Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 March 2023

Pupils, parents and staff are proud to be part of this caring and inclusive school. Pupils live up to the school's values. They are 'ready, safe and kind'. They welcome visitors with a smile, showing politeness and respect. Pupils meet leaders' high expectations of behaviour in lessons, listening well and working hard. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils. Pupils model the 'virtues to live by'. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm. Pupils feel safe. They say that bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that adults will resolve any worries they have. Staff work very well together to make a positive difference for the pupils. They understand the needs of the pupils. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils who speak English as an additional language receive support, if needed, and achieve well. Pupils enjoy the range of opportunities on offer to develop their sporting talents. They are proud of their achievements, which includes their recent dance competition award. There is a range of after-school clubs available. These include multi-sports and a debate club. Pupils develop their leadership skills through their roles as librarians and young leaders.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not completed the mapping out of the precise sequence of knowledge that pupils should learn and remember. Consequently, pupils are not building on previous knowledge that will enable them to know more and remember more over time. Leaders need to make sure that the essential knowledge that pupils need to know and remember in each subject is clear and carefully set out.
• Some teachers do not consistently perform checks on pupils' learning in lessons. At times, teachers attempt to move learning on before pupils are ready. Consequently, teachers do not accurately capture what pupils know and can do in all subjects. Leaders should ensure that pupils' skills and knowledge are checked accurately. Leaders should also ensure that teachers do not move pupils on in their learning too quickly so that pupils' next steps in learning are successfully supported.
• The early years curriculum is well planned and sequenced. Through the indoor provision, children benefit from meaningful learning opportunities in the early years classes. However, the quality of the outdoor environment does not match that of the indoor areas. Outdoor resources do not promote children's learning as well as they might. Leaders should ensure that the early years environment supports the implementation of the curriculum equally well across all areas of the provision.

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