St Mary and St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Barton Newsham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have turned a corner in the development of the school. They have come through a period of complacency and now ensure that leaders are improving the quality of teaching and learning in the school.

Governors have an accurate view of the strengths and weaknesses of the school. They hold leaders to account by asking incisive questions at meetings. Leaders have addressed the dip in pupils' performance in mathematics at the end of key stage 2 in 2018.

However, some of the most able pupils are not challenged to develop their reasoning skills to the highest standards. Leaders have ensured that staff understand the increased ...demands of the national curriculum. They set high expectations for pupils.

Pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics across the school. Pupils' personal development is outstanding. They have excellent relationships with one another.

Pupils are proud to be part of the family at St Mary and St Andrew's Primary. Leaders promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. There is a strong nurturing ethos in the school.

The early years leader has sustained the high quality of teaching and learning in Reception. Achievement at the end of the early years has been consistently strong. Teachers design interesting tasks to engage pupils in learning.

There is a range of activities, such as trips and visitors, that enhance the curriculum. Strong professional development for staff has been successful in improving the quality of teaching and learning. Subject leaders ensure that learning is sequenced well so that pupils build on their previous learning in subjects such as science, music and French.

However, leaders have not developed the curriculum in geography and history in as much depth. Some of the most able pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 make exceptional progress. However, in key stage 1 and lower key stage 2, pupils' use of punctuation is too variable.

Leaders have ensured that there are risk assessments in place to safeguard pupils. Staff are vigilant and pupils feel safe.

Information about this school

St Mary and St Andrew's primary school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Since the last inspection, there has been a change in leadership and in almost all teaching staff at the school. The school is currently undergoing a renovation of its outdoor play facilities at the rear of the school. The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the pupil premium is well below the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. The vast majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The school operates mixed-age classes throughout.

The school's most recent section 48 inspection, which is an inspection of schools with a religious character, was undertaken by the Diocese of Lancaster in May 2017. The school provides daily onsite childcare for pupils before and after school. This provision is managed by the governing body.