St Martin of Porres Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 February 2023

This is a friendly school where everyone knows your name. Pupils are proud to recite the school's motto. They are taught to be respectful and kind towards everyone. This is lived out in this caring and nurturing environment where a strong culture of respect permeates working relationships between pupils and adults. Pupils are kept safe and feel safe at school. If they have any concerns, they know they can speak to adults who will help them. Bullying is rare. If it does occur, it is dealt with quickly by staff. Pupils behave well. This is because leaders have high expectations of them. Classrooms are lively places where pupils are enthusiastic and enjoy talking to each other about their learning. Pupils learn well across the curriculum. Leaders create many opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills. For example, the 'Mini Vinnies' raise funds to support the local homeless shelter. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have regular opportunities to attend a variety of after-school activities such as Irish dancing, karate and chess. Parents and carers are positive about the school. One parent commented: 'This is a loving community school where the teachers are very nurturing.' This was a view shared by many.

What the school should improve

• In a few cases, the books that younger pupils read are not closely matched to the sounds that they have learned. This makes it hard for these pupils to decode unfamiliar words and read with sufficient accuracy. Leaders should ensure that staff sharpen their selection of books for these readers so that they are well focused on the sounds that pupils have secured.

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