St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

Pupils are happy. They enjoy being part of a close-knit school community where everyone is included. Pupils learn about the importance of being tolerant and respectful. They spoke with pride about the way that everyone is accepted for who they are. Staff forge strong relationships with pupils and their families. Two-year-old and three-year- old children settle quickly into the Nursery class. Pupils trust their teachers to take excellent care of them. Leaders do not tolerate bullying. If bullying happens, leaders deal with it effectively. This helps pupils to feel safe. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and achievement. Pupils live up to these expectations. Pupils behave well in lessons and around school. Pupils enjoy learning the well-designed curriculum that leaders provide. Pupils achieve highly. Leaders encourage pupils to contribute to the wider school community. For example, pupils delight in being part of the Love Our School group. This group helps to look after their school environment by planting flowers and vegetables and painting picnic benches. Leaders ensure that pupils' voices are a central part of the school. Student councillors are consulted on many aspects of school life. They take part in regular walks of the school with leaders and talk about things that they would like to change. This helps pupils to feel a sense of belonging.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, teachers are not rigorous enough in checking that pupils are learning the important knowledge identified in the curriculum. This means that some pupils can develop gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should roll out their plans to ensure that teachers use effective strategies to check whether pupils are learning and remembering the intended curriculum and use this information to shape future learning.

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