Schools in Portsmouth and Hampshire: St Mary's Catholic Primary School has received a good Ofsted rating in recent inspection

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, located in Gosport, has worked hard to prove that they are deserving of a good Ofsted report after receiving a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in 2021.

The report found that the school keeps pupils feel safe and they can trust that a member of staff will look after them and sort out any problems.

The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping children safe. The staff members are trained to spot and raise any concerns and pupils who are at risk receive the right help quickly and efficiently.

The report said: “Pupils are eager to come to this welcoming and inclusive school where they can learn each day. Leaders place the school values of ‘pride, community and joy’ at the heart of everything they do.

"The senior leadership team expects the best from everyone, including themselves. They successfully combine this with kindness and understanding. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Overall, the curriculum is well sequenced and broken down into small steps that build towards the important knowledge leaders want pupils to learn.”

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Lauren O'Connor, the headteacher, said: “I am delighted to share the news that St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has recently had a Graded Ofsted Inspection. After almost a decade of the school being judged as ‘Requires Improvement’ the school is now Good.

"Inspectors commented on the nurturing and caring environment that has been created in the school in order for pupils to develop confidence and self-esteem. They have high ambitions for all pupils including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities."

The inspector found that the children are polite and courteous and there is an emphasis on the importance of knowing how to read as it allows children to access the entire curriculum.

The report added: “Those responsible for governance fulfil their responsibilities well. They provide appropriate support and challenge to leaders. Staff are very proud to work at this

school. They appreciate the help they receive to improve professionally and maintain their well-being.”

The report said that there are some areas that need to be improved and it found that ‘leaders lack the urgency required to make sure the youngest pupils struggling to

learn to read receive the help they need.’

The inspection also outlined that ‘not enough children in the early years are reaching good levels of development’ and as a result some children are not prepared for key stage one.

Lauren added: “I became the Headteacher of the school in September 2019 with my Deputy Headteacher, Alison Ternan. We have now been at the school for four years and we have had five inspections/visits from Ofsted in this time and we are so proud of the children and the team for achieving this fantastic result, despite the challenges schools have faced, including the global pandemic. This has been achieved by senior leaders expecting the best from everyone, including ourselves.

"This is successfully combined with kindness and understanding."

To view the Ofsted report, click here.