Our Lady and St Anselm’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Whitworth

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is an outstanding school.

There is a strong sense of purpose and direction. Teamwork is strong and there is no room for complacency despite the school's record of high standards. Supported by a knowledgeable and committed governing body, staff set high expectations for themselves and the pupils.

Attainment has been consistently high over recent years and all groups of pupils make outstanding progress. The school's calm and caring ethos contributes to an environment where learning is strong. Behaviour in and around the school is excellent.

Pupils show respect and concern for all their peers and for groups outside the immediate school environment, including those who have a differ...ent ethnic background or religious beliefs. Self-evaluation is thorough and honest and leads to effective planning for improvement. Best practice in teaching is shared and the school is open to new and innovative ways to ensure learning is effective.

The issues raised at the time of the last inspection have been dealt with successfully. This, along with the school's outstanding outcomes and its determination to improve further, demonstrates its outstanding capacity for sustained improvement. Children enter the Early Years Foundation Stage with skills which are generally below those expected for their age and reach high standards by the end of Year 6.

This is due to teaching which is often outstanding and always engaging. This enables pupils to explore subjects in depth and to have the confidence to talk about how well they are doing and how to improve. Pupils are mostly highly articulate and have the maturity to debate moral issues and their own responsibilities towards others.

Assessment is used very effectively to support learning, although occasionally marking does not make the next steps of learning sufficiently clear. The curriculum is varied and rich. Pupils greatly enjoy school and attendance is consistently high.

They fully support the school motto, 'Hand in hand we learn'. Typical of their comments are, 'This is a totally safe school. The teachers are always welcoming.

Learning is fun and we enjoy every lesson.' Parents and carers express very positive views about the school. One wrote, 'This school is fantastic.

I travel from out of town so my child can go here.' Many commented on the school's caring ethos. A typical comment was, 'The staff are very approachable and will sort out any concerns a parent may have.'



Information about the school

This is a smaller than average size primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average. All pupils have a White British background and none are at an early stage of learning English.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. The school runs its own before- and after-school club. It holds Healthy School status, the Activemark, the Race Equality Mark and the Eco Bronze Award.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms