St Bernard's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2022

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils at St Bernard's Catholic Primary School. The school motto, 'one family, following Christ, learning together, making a difference', is central to the school's work. Pupils are happy and safe. They enjoy coming to school. Reading is well taught. Pupils love reading and they have access to a wide range of books. Parents are positive about the quality of education their children receive. However, support for some pupils with specific needs is not always as sharply focused as it could be. Leaders make sure that pupils go on trips and visits to broaden their interests. For example, pupils visit Tamworth Castle to deepen their knowledge of Anglo-Saxon life. Pupils enjoy attending the range of clubs on offer including debate club, choir, coding and Gaelic football. Year 6 pupils enjoyed their recent residential to Alton Castle. Year 5 pupils are going to a residential at Whitemoor Lakes. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils are caring and respectful of each other. They engage fully in their learning. At social times pupils play well together. Incidents of poor behaviour or bullying are rare. Pupils trust that staff will swiftly address any concerns that they have.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum for some pupils with SEND is not always as sharply focused as it could be. This means that at times these pupils do not make as much progress as they should. Leaders should do more to support teachers so they have the knowledge and resources to support all pupils with SEND effectively.
• Some subject leaders are new to these roles and have not yet developed effective ways to check how well the curriculum is being taught. This means that they do not know how well pupils are learning the curriculum. Leaders should support new subject leaders to develop the necessary expertise to carry out their roles in a more effective way.
• In the early years, children learn a lot about early number and language, but staff do not make the most of all of the opportunities to practise these early skills. As a result, children do not have as much chance as they might to extend their learning. Leaders should look for ways to increase opportunities for children to practise what they have learned in focused teaching activities when working throughout the continuous provision.

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