Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School 'incredibly proud' of Ofsted report

A PRIMARY school in Henley has been judged to meet the “expected standard” by the education watchdog.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Greys Hill was inspected by Ofsted in December for the first time since November 2021.

Safeguarding requirements were fully met and the school met the “expected standard” in all categories, including achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance.

In the report, Neil Pilsworth, His Majesty’s lead inspector, and Lorraine Grecco, the Ofsted inspector, said most pupils achieve well, which is reflected in their attainment in national tests at the end of Year 6.

Pupils with special educational needs (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and those previously known to social care generally achieve well.

However, the report said: “There are some disadvantaged pupils who do not consistently develop a detailed knowledge in the fundamentals of early reading, writing and maths” but added that the school is “working hard” to close the gaps some of these pupils have.

The inspectors found that most pupils have positive attitudes towards their learning.

The report said: “Every morning, they walk into school with happy smiles and this permeates into all areas of their learning.”

The school’s curriculum was found to be broad, well sequenced, ambitious and designed to reduce barriers to learning.

The report said: “The curriculum considered the needs of the mixed-age classes well [and] the staff have the knowledge they need to help pupils learn well. This helps to promote pupils’ learning at every stage.”

However, the report said teaching does not address gaps in knowledge and highlighted the gap for some SEND and disadvantaged pupils persists.

Inspectors found that the early years curriculum is designed carefully with staff establishing nurturing relationships, communicating practised routine and rules well to develop an environment where children share resources with each other.

They found that leaders identify the needs of pupils promptly with increasing accuracy, ensuring individual needs are met so pupils feel understood and ready to learn.

The report said: “Leaders and the governing body work purposefully to raise aspirations for what pupils can achieve. The school works hard to ensure that pupils have every opportunity to achieve well.”

Pupils are helped by staff to be confident and kind citizens who respect other people’s differences by ensuring the personal development programme is woven across all areas of school life.

The report said: “Pupils demonstrate a respect for others and celebrate differences. They are taught about the importance of living the fundamental British values, and consequently, their understanding of these grows. Pupils discuss topics such as equity and disability thoughtfully and with maturity.”

The inspectors found that opportunities beyond the classroom were also celebrated, including participation in sporting events, performing arts and community projects such as litter picking.

The pride that pupils take in leadership roles such as school councillors and playtime buddies and the use of their democratic voice to influence school decisions, was also highlighted.

Headteacher Rachel Sanders, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report. It reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our governors and families, and, most importantly, the wonderful attitudes and achievements of our pupils.

“We were a bit nervous about being guinea pigs for a new, more holistic system, but found it sat well with how we look to develop our children’s minds, hearts and horizons. The inspectors truly captured the spirit of Sacred Heart.

“Reading a report card is one thing, but I would urge parents with young children to visit the school and see for themselves why we score highly on measures well beyond the academic basics. We welcome visits throughout the school year,”