St Edward's Catholic Primary School

Inspection of St Edward’s Catholic Primary School Lisson Grove, London NW1 6LH

p.1

Inspection dates: 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Early years provision Outstanding Previous inspection grade Requires improvement 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.1

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are enthusiastic about coming here. They speak knowledgeably about the broad range of subjects they study. Pupils become confident, resilient learners. They achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

p.2

What is it like to attend this school?

Leaders have high expectations for everyone. Pupils value the wide range of opportunities to develop their interests and talents. They are proud of the contribution they make to the life of the school. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously, including as members of the eco-council. Playground ambassadors are positive role models for other pupils.

p.2

What is it like to attend this school?

Teachers encourage pupils to be considerate to each other’s feelings. They know how to help others who may be anxious or upset. Pupils comment that everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, is accepted at the school. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They show respect for each other and for staff. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, leaders deal with any concerns quickly.

p.2

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are kept safe and are very happy. They comment that their teachers and leaders care about them. Parents and carers are proud of the school. They recognise the many improvements made here.

p.2

better?

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum is well developed. Leaders have prioritised the important knowledge and skills they want pupils to know in all subjects. Leaders have planned the curriculum carefully to provide children in early years with deep knowledge and understanding across all areas of learning. This prepares children extremely well for Year 1. For instance, there is a strong focus on developing children’s mathematical understanding.

p.2

better?

Typically, teachers check regularly on what pupils have already learned. However, sometimes, teaching does not check pupils’ misconceptions consistently well. This limits pupils’ subject-specific knowledge and understanding on these occasions.

p.2

better?

Leaders have a strong focus on reading. Those pupils who struggle with reading get the support they need to keep up. Leaders ensure that all pupils have books that match the sounds that pupils know. Pupils have time to read regularly to help them become confident and fluent readers. Leaders ensure that pupils enjoy a considerable choice of different texts. Every classroom comes alive with a different story through regular story times. In Nursery, staff are highly skilled to develop children’s communication and language skills.

p.2

better?

Leaders ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need. Teachers receive training to help them understand 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.2

3

pupils’ individual needs. They adapt their teaching and resources to help pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as others, when appropriate.

p.3

3

Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning and encourage each other to be the best they can. They behave exceptionally well in lessons and around school. Pupils are respectful and take pride in who they are and in the school environment. Children in the early years make a strong start to their education. They follow the high expectations staff have of them. Children follow routines consistently. Staff support them to be independent learners. Children can manage their own emotions. They know the importance of turn taking and sharing.

p.3

3

Leaders support pupils’ character development effectively, including through taking on responsibilities. Teachers encourage pupils to support each other, including through promoting well-being. Pupils have a good understanding of different cultures and faiths. They are taught the importance of respecting differences. Leaders provide pupils with many opportunities to develop their interests and talents. These include sports clubs and science fairs. Pupils visit places of cultural interest. They have high aspirations for their own futures.

p.3

3

Leaders are mindful of staff well-being and workload. Leaders and staff are supported effectively by the partner trust and local authority. The governing body knows the school well and provides strong support and challenge to leaders.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Leaders ensure that safeguarding is at the forefront of everybody’s mind. All staff receive regular safeguarding training. Staff are alert to the potential signs of abuse. They know how to recognise when a child may be at risk of harm. Staff are confident in using the systems for recording and reporting concerns. Leaders act promptly. They work closely with other agencies to ensure that vulnerable children and families can access the support they need. All necessary checks are carried out before staff are appointed to work at the school. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves and others safe, including online.

p.3

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

 Sometimes, teachers do not check consistently well what pupils know and remember. This leads to inconsistencies in pupils’ subject-specific knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that all teachers address any misconceptions in pupils’ knowledge and understanding so that they are fully ready for new content. 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.3

How can I feed back my views?

or to find out what other parents and carers think. We use information from Ofsted Parent View when deciding which schools to inspect, when to inspect them and as part of their inspection.

p.4

How can I feed back my views?

The Department for Education has further guidance on how to complain about a school.

p.4

Further information

You can search for published performance information about the school.

p.4

Further information

In the report, ‘disadvantaged pupils’ refers to those pupils who attract government pupil premium funding: pupils claiming free school meals at any point in the last six years and pupils in care or who left care through adoption or another formal route. 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.4

School details

Inspection number 10241615 Type of school Primary

p.5

School details

Appropriate authority The governing body

p.5

Executive Headteacher

Martin Tissot Website www.stedwardsprimary.org

p.5

Executive Headteacher

Date of previous inspection 11 and 12 September 2019, under section 5 of the Education Act 2005

p.5

Information about this school

 St Edwards Catholic Primary School is a voluntary aided primary school and is in the Diocese of Westminster.  The school is supported by the Cardinal Hume Academies Trust.  The acting head of school was appointed to the role in September 2022.  There is a Nursery class for children from the age of three years.  The most recent section 48 inspection under the Education Act for schools of a religious character took place in May 2022.  One pupil attends alternative provision.

p.5

Information about this inspection

The inspectors carried out this graded inspection under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.5

6

 This was the first routine inspection the school received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the school.  Inspectors held meetings with the executive headteacher, the head of school, assistant headteachers, representatives of the supporting trust, members of the governing body, including the chair, and representatives of the diocese and local authority.  Inspectors undertook deep dives in the following subjects: reading, mathematics, physical education, science and history. Inspectors met with subject leaders, teachers and groups of pupils. They visited lessons and looked at pupils’ work. Inspectors considered the curriculum in other subjects.  Inspectors reviewed the school’s safeguarding procedures, including the single central record and child protection and safeguarding policies.

p.6

6

 Inspectors met with leaders responsible for behaviour, personal development, children who are looked after, pupil premium, attendance, and the provision for pupils with SEND.  Inspectors considered responses recorded on the Ofsted Parent View survey, including free-text comments.  Inspectors considered the views of staff gathered through meetings.  Inspectors spoke to pupils in lessons and observed behaviour in lessons and during breaktimes and lunchtimes.  Inspectors looked at a range of documentation, including that related to the school’s self-evaluation, school improvement, the most recent section 48 inspection, attendance and behaviour, the curriculum, and governance.

p.6

Inspection team

Phil Garnham, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.6

Inspection team

Amanda Ruthven Ofsted Inspector 28 February and 1 March 2023

p.6

7

regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.7

7

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

7

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

7

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

7

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7