A PRIMARY school is celebrating after it was praised by Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog visited St Julie’s Catholic Primary School, in Eccleston, on September 24 and 25.

In its findings, published earlier this month, the school was commended for its “engaging and ambitious curriculum”, with particular praise for its education of pupil during early years.

St Julie’s was rated as good for the categories of ‘quality of education’; ‘behaviour and attitudes; ‘personal development’ and ‘leadership and management’. The school was found to be outstanding for ‘early years provision’.

Schools in England no longer receive Ofsted single-word headline grades.

What Ofsted inspectors said about St Julie's

In their report, inspectors said: “Positive relationships between staff and pupils are evident throughout the school” adding “the school has high expectations of pupils’ academic achievement, including that of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities”.

It was said “pupils benefit from clubs that develop their talents and interests through their ‘university’ experiences”.

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The report added: “The school has developed an engaging and ambitious curriculum. Careful thought has been given to the essential knowledge that pupils should learn and when this should be taught, from the early years to Year six”.

Inspectors note: “Staff have a secure knowledge of the subjects that they teach. They use this knowledge to explain new learning to pupils.”

It was acknowledged “the school has placed a high priority on ensuring that pupils learn to read well.

“Children are taught letter sounds as soon as they join the Reception Year

quickly become fluent, confident readers”.

Inspectors noted that “pupils are kind and polite” and “help each other in lessons and around school”.

It was said “the school maximises opportunities for pupils to engage with their wider community and to become active and responsible citizens” and “the school seeks to support the well-being of staff as well as pupils”.

Inspectors said that in order to further improve, “in a small number of subjects, some improvements to curriculums are more recent” and the “school should ensure that improvements to these curriculums are embedded and implemented fully to support pupils to develop a strong body of knowledge in these subjects”.

'Immensely proud of our St Julie's family'

Welcoming the positive report, St Julie’s head teacher Anne Hodgson said: “I am extremely pleased with the very many positive outcomes highlighted during the inspection which are testament to the dedication and commitment of all our staff and governors, the support of our parents and carers, and a celebration of our fabulous children at St Julie’s.

“The many visitors that spend time in our school, leave with a strong impression of the caring ethos and culture of positive behaviour and of both the children’s and staff’s enthusiasm, happiness, supportiveness and kindness. Our Ofsted report also captured this.”

Mrs Hodgson added: “I am immensely proud of our St Julie’s school family and ever grateful for the support we receive from our families.

“Together we continue to work together to ensure the best education and enriching experiences that we can for our children.”

 

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