Pupils at a Sunderland school feel proud, safe and keen to learn, according to a new Ofsted report.
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, received their Ofsted inspection at the end of September.
Ofsted lead inspector Andrew Gibbins said in his report: “St Cuthbert’s motto is ‘Once a part of St Cuthbert’s, always a part of St Cuthbert’s’. This creates a sense of belonging in a school where pupils know that staff care for them.
“Pupils are proud to attend the school. They play a central role in the welcoming culture. Pupils are keen to interact with each other and visitors. They enjoy attending this caring school and feel safe. The school welcomes hearing from pupils who have left the school some time ago. It is proud to celebrate their achievements. Pupils of all ages know that they are part of the St Cuthbert’s ‘family’.”
The Grindon Lane school’s family approach and clear transition process mean that children in Early Years quickly settle in school and teaching staff show their understanding and knowledge of their children and families.
“Pupils meet the school’s high expectations,” continued the report.
“They are quick to settle into learning. They relish the opportunity to contribute to class discussions. Pupils achieve well in end-of-key stage examinations. Staff are committed to nurturing pupils’ self-belief. Pupils are keen to share their ambitious aspirations for the future.”
Children love reading at the school and staff ensure that they “quickly learn to read from the earliest stage”. Any pupils not quite keeping up with their expected reading age are quickly identified and supported so they can catch up with their peers. Books are also carefully selected in school to help pupils explore sensitive topics such as bullying, and how they could deal with them.
“The school’s unique approach to trips gives pupils lasting memories,” continued the report.
“The school offers sequenced residential visits for pupils in Year 3 to Year 6. Each visit is carefully planned. Pupils develop a range of important skills and qualities. Over time, pupils become more independent and resilient. This is an important part of the school’s coherent and exceptional approach to character development.
“In addition, the school identifies ‘101 things’ they want pupils to experience by the time they leave school. These include learning to ride a bike and connecting with a local business. These thoughtful experiences help pupils to flourish and discover new interests. Pupils also enjoy learning about different careers. This helps them connect learning to future dreams. Pupils in Year 2 enjoy their visit from the local fire service. Year 6 pupils excitedly recounted their workshop on palaeontology. This rich set of experiences gives pupils a sense of wonder about the wider world.
“The school, governing body, Trust and Diocese work collaboratively in the best interests of pupils. They are determined to provide pupils with the best possible life chances and a rich set of experiences. Staff at St Cuthbert’s are valued and proud to work at the school.”
Executive headteacher Jane Ward said: “We have so much to be proud of here at St Cuthbert’s and I would like to thank our children, staff, parents and carers and all others from the wider school community who are all an integral part of our school life.
“This report celebrates the pride we have in our school, the welcome that we give and the high aspirations that our children leave with, but most of all it celebrates our wonderful children.”
Ofsted carried out deep dives in early reading, art and mathematics during the inspection.
For more information about BCCET, please visit www.bccet.org.uk
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Photo caption: Staff and children representing the ‘St. Cuthbert’s School family’.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.