St Mary’s R.C. Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

This is a diverse, inclusive school where everyone matters.

Adults care deeply about the pupils, each other and the wider school community. As a result, there is a strong ethos of mutual respect and partnership working, that benefits the pupils and supports them to achieve their best. Pupils describe St Mary's as their 'safe space'.

They enjoy their time at school very much, and because of the notable quality of classroom provision, they achieve very well. The curriculum is exciting and engaging. It includes valuable opportunities for pupils to take part in the creative arts, enjoy developing their physical skills and learn about their culture and heritage, both locally and across the wider world.

There is strong ...provision for pupils to develop their English and mathematical skills progressively and systematically and, as a result, nearly all make at least the progress they should. However, the provision for pupils to develop their skills in learning the Welsh language, along with a further international language, is underdeveloped. Teaching and classroom practice is generally of a high quality across the school.

However, on a few occasions, teachers over-direct pupils' learning and do not provide enough opportunities for pupils to think for themselves. Those pupils whose circumstances may make them vulnerable to underachievement, for example due to poverty or other additional needs, such as learning the English language, generally make at least the progress they should. This is because they receive well-tailored support and guidance, in addition to strong classroom provision.

The staff team work together particularly well to bring about improvements wherever they identify that pupils could do even better. The headteacher and senior leadership team have a relentless focus on everyone's well-being. Together, they have built a safe, nurturing environment that develops every individual and encourages then to achieve their best.

As a result, pupils and staff are proud to belong to the community at St Mary's. Recommendations R1 Utilise the strong practice in the school to ensure that all teaching encourages pupils to think for themselves R2 Strengthen the provision for Welsh and develop provision for pupils to learn an international language What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection. Estyn will invite the school to prepare a case study on its work in relation to creating a culture to encourage staff and leaders to secure effective school improvement, for dissemination on Estyn's website.