St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 January 2023

Pupils are enthusiastic about learning. They speak knowledgeably about the broad range of subjects that they study. Pupils become confident, resilient learners. They achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils value the wide range of opportunities they have to develop their interests in music, drama and sport. They are proud of the contribution they make to the life of the school. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously as members of the eco-council and as playground buddies and role models for the younger children. Pupils learn to be sensitive to each other's feelings. They know how to help others who may be anxious or upset. Pupils respond positively to the high expectations staff have of their learning and their behaviour. They are respectful to each other and to adults. Pupils listen carefully in lessons and think thoughtfully about what others have to say. They know that staff care for their well-being as well as their achievement. Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that adults listen to their concerns and will help them to resolve any worries they may have. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They appreciate the school's caring ethos, in which their children thrive.

What the school should improve

• Not all staff have received the training they need to support less-confident readers in key stage 2 to develop their reading fluency. This means that some pupils who receive additional support are not gaining the fluency and confidence in their reading as quickly as they should. Leaders should ensure that all staff have the training they need to enable older pupils to practise and apply their phonic knowledge so the pace at which these pupils develop their confidence, fluency and independence as readers is accelerated.
• Some aspects of the early years curriculum are not implemented consistently well across the early years foundation stage. This means that a small number of children do not learn as well as they could, particularly through play. Leaders should provide guidance and support to ensure that all staff are confident to interact skilfully with children so that all children are supported effectively to extend their thinking and deepen their understanding through purposeful play.

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