St Mary & St Michael latest school rated good by Ofsted

St Mary & St Michael Catholic Primary School received that grade in all five categories.

Inspectors, who visited in February, said pupils settled in quickly at the 137-pupil, St Sampson’s school, while older pupils helped look after the younger ones.

‘The school’s expectations of what pupils have the potential to learn and do through the curriculum have risen,’ the report stated.

‘When pupils find their learning challenging, they are supported to succeed. This helps everyone to feel included and to enjoy the curriculum together.’

Pupils read a range of books, and are inspired to build positive reading habits.

‘However, in phonics and mathematics, there are sometimes delays before pupils are taught the curriculum content that they are ready to learn,’ the report stated.

‘Some pupils spend too much time applying what they already know, rather than learning new things or using their knowledge in different contexts.

‘The school’s approach to assessment means that pupils’ phonics learning is frequently interrupted, slowing the rate at which they become confident readers.’

The inspectors suggested that pupils should learn the curriculum as soon as they were ready.

There also needs to be more assessment to test pupils' knowledge.

Long-serving head teacher Helen Willetts, who has been at the school for more than 15 years, was proud about the findings of the report.

‘I must give credit to the committed and hard-working team of staff, who go above and beyond every day to ensure that our pupils receive the best possible education,’ she said.

‘It is through their teamwork and dedication that we have achieved such wonderful outcomes.

'Also special thanks and appreciation to our pupils.’

Director of education Nick Hynes said the inspection report – the second positive one this week after Hautes Capelles – was further evidence of the quality of the primary sector.

‘I want to congratulate Helen and her team, as I know how hard it is to achieve good judgements in all five categories of the inspection framework,’ he said.

‘I’m sure parents will not be surprised with the report detailing that St Mary & St Michael is delivering a good quality of education for their children.

‘As with all inspections, areas for improvement have been identified and I know Helen and her team will not rest on this good outcome.’

Just Castel, Amherst and Vauvert are still to have reports published.