St John's Catholic Primary School, Skelmersdale

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 July 2022

Pupils told the inspector that they enjoy coming to school. Pupils thrive because they are determined to succeed and staff have high expectations of their achievement and behaviour. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and children in the early years, achieve well in many subjects. Pupils feel safe at school. They are confident that they can talk to any member of staff if they have any concerns. Pupils know that should bullying happen, it will be dealt with immediately. Parents and carers are happy with their children's progress. Typically, they describe staff as supportive and caring. Pupils treat others with dignity and respect. They behave well. They learn about fundamental British values, including the rule of law and individual liberty. Pupils celebrate cultural and religious diversity. Pupils live up to the school motto, 'to live in love'. They develop their leadership skills as librarians and members of the school council and pupil parliament. Pupils enjoy a wide range of achievements to treasure, which include visits to beaches, churches, a zoo, libraires, a farm and museums. They are especially keen on honing their yoga and baking skills in after-school clubs. Year 6 pupils enjoy their annual residential retreat, where they develop skills such as orienteering.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders' checks on pupils' learning do not provide sufficient information about pupils' missing or forgotten knowledge. This hinders teachers' ability to help pupils to learn this knowledge and build new knowledge securely. Leaders should ensure that checks better enable teachers to identify pupils' missed or forgotten learning so that they can help pupils to learn this knowledge and build more effectively on what pupils already know.

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