St Margaret's Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 February 2023

Pupils love their small and caring school community. They say that everyone knows each other well and that they look out for each other. They feel safe and well cared for. They trust the adults in school to sort out any friendship problems they may have. They say that they do not worry about bullying. Parents and carers unanimously appreciate the support their children receive. One parent's comment was typical of many: 'There is a lovely family feel to the school.' Leaders are ambitious that pupils will develop the qualities they need in order to be ready for life in modern Britain. Leaders identify these characteristics as: respect, empathy, self- awareness, positivity, excellence, communication and teamwork. Pupils work hard to show these in their work and play. They are keen to earn their 'respect' badge. Leaders have set high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils know how important it is to work hard. They show respect for each other and their teachers. In lessons, they listen carefully and do their best. No learning time is lost due to poor behaviour. The school is a happy and positive place for pupils to learn and staff to work.

What the school should improve

• Leaders do not have a secure enough overview of the provision for pupils with SEND. Staff do not identify in sufficient detail each pupil's targets or the individual support pupils will receive in order to reach these targets. Teachers do not always know which aspects of the support that pupils are given is enabling them to succeed or where a different approach may work better. This could mean that some pupils are not learning as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that all staff have the training they need to complete this work and ensure that they monitor the impact of the provision for pupils with SEND more precisely.

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