St Alphonsus' Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

Pupils at St Alphonsus are exceptionally polite, kind and caring. This is a very inclusive school. Pupils are tolerant and accepting of others. They enjoy coming to school and attend well. Pupils are very proud of their school. They are keen to show visitors the work they do and the trophies they have won. A high number of pupils start and leave the school outside of the usual times. The school manages high pupil mobility well. The school wants the best for every pupil, even when they know pupils may not stay with them for very long. The school has very high expectations for all pupils. Staff help pupils to be successful in later life. Pupils, led by the 'Mini Vinnies', engage in a range of charitable events in their community. They learn how to care for the local environment and the wider world. Pupils talk about the Catholic ethos of the school and how this helps them to become global citizens. Pupils have many opportunities for leadership roles. They can become house captains, 'Mini Vinnies' and play leaders. They can attend a range of clubs at lunchtime and after school. Pupils go on many trips linked to their lessons. The whole school visited the theatre to see a pantomime. There are many opportunities to take part in competitive sports. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They confidently talk to visitors to their school. Pupils have impeccable manners. The school is calm. There are warm relationships and high levels of respect between pupils and adults. Pupils feel safe. The adults in school look after them well. Pupils want to learn. They listen carefully to adults. Behaviour in lessons is excellent.

What the school should improve

• Teachers have not always checked what pupils already know and remember. Although this does now happen, this means that sometimes, older pupils do not always have the prior knowledge required to deepen their understanding of a subject. The school should ensure that all gaps in learning are identified and staff adapt the curriculum to support pupils to build on what they already know.
• Although the early years milestones are clearly mapped out, the curriculum is not broken down into the smaller steps children need to learn in order to meet the end points. Some children do not meet all the milestones needed to achieve early learning goals. The school should ensure that the curriculum is broken down into small, precise steps so that children gain sufficient knowledge over time.

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