St Chad's Catholic Primary School, Witton Park

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 September 2023

This school is a calm, happy and welcoming learning community. The school's values and mission statement, 'come as you are and walk with us', are reflected in every aspect of school life. Warm relationships exist between pupils and staff and everyone is included at St Chad's Catholic Primary School. Pupils say that bullying is rare. They trust staff to help them if they have any worries. Pupils are polite and respectful to other pupils, staff and visitors. They respond well to leaders' high expectations of their behaviour. In lessons, pupils are engaged in their learning. They discuss their ideas and opinions readily. The caring and friendly atmosphere includes playtimes, when older pupils act as role models for younger pupils. Leaders have high expectations for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children get off to a strong start in Reception. They learn to express their feelings and emotions in a supportive and safe environment. Pupils enjoy being active citizens. They contribute to the local community with litter picks and carol services at a nearby care home. In school, they share their views in the student council and faith council, developing confidence and independence.

What the school should improve

• The curriculums for many subjects are new and, sometimes, learning activities, especially in mixed-age classes, do not closely match the knowledge and skills teachers would like pupils to develop. This means that pupils do not deepen their subject knowledge well. The school should review the implementation of newly introduced curriculums to ensure that the work given to pupils enables them to achieve highly in all subjects.
• Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they miss important learning. The school should continue to take action to ensure that they improve the attendance of these pupils. This is so these pupils can benefit from the good quality of education that the school provides.
• The school has not been clear enough in the teaching of fundamental British values. Although pupils demonstrate these values in their actions and conduct, some pupils are limited in their understanding of them. The school should ensure that there are specific opportunities for teachers to develop pupils' understanding of each of the British values to help prepare them for life in modern Britain.

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