Ofsted 2024

We are delighted to share with you the fantastic news that our school has been rated as ‘Good’ following the recent Ofsted inspection. This achievement is a testament to our entire school community – children, staff, parents, and governors. It reflects the collaborative efforts and shared vision we uphold to provide the best possible education for our pupils.

The report highlights numerous strengths and positive aspects of our school, including:

Pupils are happy and safe and attend regularly. They know that staff care deeply about their physical and mental health and well-being. Pupils know they can always seek help from an adult if they ever have a problem.

The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), live up to these expectations. Outcomes in English and mathematics are well above those seen nationally.

The school is aspirational and always striving to improve. It knows precisely what is working well and where further developments are needed.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They introduce new learning in stages and explain ideas clearly.

Developing pupils’ reading skills is central to the school’s work. Children in Reception get off to a strong start in learning to read. The phonics curriculum is used consistently and expertly by teachers.

Every opportunity, and every member of staff, is maximised to support pupils with their emotional, physical and academic needs. As a result, pupils with SEND thrive and achieve well.

Pupils are kind and compassionate and respect those from different faiths and backgrounds.

Staff work well as a team. All are proud to be staff members at the school.

CSI INSPECTION 2023

Our most recent RE Inspection was in January 2023. We are delighted to say that the judgements for the provision in:

• Catholic life and mission of the school was outstanding (1)

• Religious education was good (2)

• Collective worship was outstanding (1)

• Overall effectiveness was good (2)

The Diocesan Inspector noted that:

• There is a strong culture of welcome which is deeply rooted in all members of the St Alban’s community.

• Pupils can express that they are valued and understand that they should value each other.

• Pupils’ behaviour in all classes is based on respect for staff and for each other.

• Staff are fully committed to serving the community of St Alban’s. All are welcome and valued.

• Parents are supportive of the school and value the work the staff do for their children.

• Behaviour in lessons is excellent throughout the school and all pupils are actively engaged in lessons.

• Teachers’ subject knowledge for religious education is a strength of the school. The commitment of staff is clear to see in all year groups and results in all pupils valuing their lessons.

• Both staff and pupils respond to the needs of the community through spontaneous prayer which reflects the sincerity with which each person is known and loved in the school. Staff are creative in the way they introduce prayerful activities to children.

• Inspirational prayer is modelled by leaders whose faith is a beacon for the staff and pupils.

• Staff report that leaders and governors are inspirational witnesses of their faith.

   

Summary of key findings

What the school does well:

• There is a strong culture of welcome which is deeply rooted in all members of the St
• Alban’s community.
• Relationships throughout the school reflect the dignity of each person.
• Staff, including leaders and governors, are fully committed to providing high levels of care,
• particularly to the most vulnerable.

What the school needs to improve:

• Ensure assessment is accurate, particularly for pupils working towards higher levels of attainment in religious education.
• Maximise learning for all by adapting tasks and explanations according to pupils’ responses in religious education lessons.
• Increase pupils’ confidence and independence in leading worship and in making links between it and their lived experience.