HOLY Cross Catholic Primary school has been highly praised following an inspection by Ofsted.

The government inspectors came to the Tracyes Road school on March 8th and 9th.

The report stated:

Pupils feel welcome at Holy Cross. A typical pupil’s view is that ‘this is a loving and caring community.’ They are welcomed at the gates each morning by staff that know each of them by name. This makes pupils feel valued. All pupils understand the importance of following the schools ‘golden thread’ of values. They show this by being caring, polite and respecting one another.

Pupils behave well. They are clear on the high behaviour expectations leaders have set and expect each other to follow them. Pupils are attentive and focused in lessons. Lessons are not interrupted by poor behaviour. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. Older pupils are kind and nurturing to younger pupils. Some have responsibilities as buddies or mediators to ensure pupils feel included in school life. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, pupils are confident that trusted adults will deal with it promptly.

Pupils speak enthusiastically about clubs and additional activities including international week, choir, and gardening. Pupils know that staff listen to their opinions and ideas through the school council. For example, the pupils were able to create a gardening area through the school’s eco-council. Pupils aspire to win awards at the weekly rewards events which parents attend.

Leaders have planned a curriculum that clearly sets out what pupils should learn in all subjects. This planning has identified the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to learn to progress well at each stage from Reception through to Year 6. In most subjects, pupils successfully learn more and remember more. In a few foundation subjects, leaders have recently started to review and develop the curriculum. In these subjects there is a focus on what teachers would like pupils to do, rather than learn. Staff are still working on adapting their practice to ensure they deliver the curriculum well for all pupils.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have planned a curriculum that clearly sets out what pupils should learn in all subjects. This planning has identified the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to learn to progress well at each stage from Reception through to Year 6. In most subjects, pupils successfully learn more and remember more. In a few foundation subjects, leaders have recently started to review and develop the curriculum. In these subjects there is a focus on what teachers would like pupils to do, rather than learn. Staff are still working on adapting their practice to ensure they deliver the curriculum well for all pupils.

Reading has been prioritised by leaders. Pupils talk enthusiastically about books and reading. Well-trained teachers ensure that pupils follow a systematic approach to phonics and reading as soon as they start at the school. Pupils have daily reading activities that include a wide range of texts that teachers carefully select. Pupils who are at the early stages of reading have books that are closely matched to the sounds they have learned. As a result, pupils become confident readers who enjoy reading. If a pupil falls behind with their reading, teachers identify this quickly and support them to catch up.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and their needs are accurately identified by leaders. Staff are well informed about pupils’ individual needs. Leaders ensure that additional resources are used, and teachers adapt their approaches well to ensure that pupils with SEND learn as effectively as their peers. Often, these pupils thrive in the school. Parent survey results are overwhelmingly positive about the support pupils with SEND receive.

Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and pupils consistently meet these. They behave calmly around school and speak positively about coming to school. Older pupils are behaviour ambassadors for younger pupils. While pupils can be lively in lessons, they remain engaged and listen to teachers. As a result, pupils learn in lessons without interruptions. Leaders have placed high importance on supporting pupils to manage their emotional well-being. As a result, pupils speak openly and honestly about how they are feeling. If they feel sad, they know there is always an adult they can speak to about this.

Leaders’ focus on ‘developing the whole not just the academic’ supports pupils’ personal development well. Leaders have carefully planned a personal, social and emotional education (PSHE) and a relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE) curriculum to do this. Pupils develop compassion and resilience. Pupils learn about different faiths and cultures. The school’s international day is a highlight of the year for many pupils and their families. Pupils speak with maturity about tolerance and inclusivity.

Leaders, including governors, have acted thoughtfully following a sensitive time for the school. They have ensured staff have had emotional support and stability of leadership. Staff feel well looked after and valued by leaders. Staff state that leaders ensure their workload is considered in any decisions made. They are proud to work at the school.

Parents overwhelmingly state in parental surveys that they would recommend the school.