St Patrick’s RC Primary School judged as 'Good' following Ofsted inspection

St Patrick’s RC Primary School in Rochdale has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

The school, which is run by the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, was judged to be ‘Good’ overall, receiving ‘Outstanding’ for its early years provision, and behaviour and attitudes.

Inspectors said the school “places no barriers on what pupils can achieve” adding that pupils lived up to the high expectations.

“This is particularly impressive in the early years, where children get off to a very strong start,” they said.

Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning were “exemplary” and they “genuinely care about how their actions may impact on others.”

Learning was rarely disrupted and pupils “do not worry about bullying,” the inspectors noted.

Parents and carers were said to be “overwhelmingly positive about the impact that the school has on their children” and appreciate how the school communicates with them.

Inspectors said the “ambitious curriculum” at St Patrick’s “carefully balances children’s interests with setting out the important knowledge that they need to know and remember.”

Children in the early years make “exceptional progress from their starting points that prepares them well for future learning.”

Staff make “precise checks” on any gaps in knowledge, although some pupils “do not remember enough of their learning over time” as a consequence of the order that key knowledge is introduced “in a few subjects.”

Staff were praised for being “able to design learning activities that engage and interest pupils” and “adapt learning well to enable all pupils to take part.”

They “carefully consider the support that pupils need to be able to learn effectively,” inspectors said, “Staff are tenacious in checking and improving the support that pupils receive.”

Of particular note was pupils’ love of reading, with children “quickly” learning to read and write with “increasing accuracy.” Reading books that match their reading knowledge helps them to be “confident and fluent readers.”

The school “prioritises pupils’ wider development” and pupils “take pride” in St Patrick’s “being a friendly and welcoming place.”

Children “encourage everyone to do their best” and are “proud” of their achievements, the report said, adding that pupils also learn about different people’s lives, including differing relationships and beliefs.

Of the St Teresa Trust, inspectors said it provides “suitable support and challenge to the school” and that it “checks that the school’s actions have the intended impact on the quality of education that pupils receive.”

In order to improve, Ofsted said that the trust and St Patrick’s should “ensure the sequence of learning in all subjects helps pupils to know and remember more over time.”

Of the inspection outcome, headteacher Kathryn Bishop said: “We are delighted that inspectors supported our own view of the strength of provision here at St Patrick’s.

“I am pleased that there was a recognition of the sense of joy in the school and that our children are confident, well cared for and feel valued by every member of staff.

“St Patrick’s is a special place, and we are proud of what we achieve together.”

Chris Foley, CEO of the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, added: “Once again, inspectors have a trust school that delivers exemplary provision for our youngest children. Mrs Bishop has done a wonderful job of changing the school for the better whilst also recognising its legacies within its local community.

“We are certain this school will continue to move from strength to strength over the coming years. The trust board and I would like to thank every member of staff at the school for the work they do each day to make lives better.”