Pupils’ behaviour at primary school in County Durham is ‘outstanding’
Outstanding pupil behaviour is something every school strives for, and for this County Durham school, it’s a reality! The pupils’ “outstanding” behaviour was highlighted by Ofsted following an inspection at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Shotton.
The primary school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Ofsted lead inspector Alison Stephenson said in her report: “Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding. They demonstrate excellent behaviour in lessons and on the playground. They work hard and enjoy their learning. Pupils are friendly and courteous to everyone. They are welcoming to visitors and are eager to share what is special about their school.
“Behaviour across the school is exemplary. There is a calm and friendly atmosphere. Pupils are engaged and attentive during lessons.” The school’s Catholic foundation “permeates throughout school life” with caring relationships between pupils and staff which are “underpinned by kindness and mutual respect”.
“Staff know their pupils well and work successfully to help them,” continued the report. “Pupils support each other to love, learn and grow as one family.
“The school is ambitious for pupils to achieve well in their academic studies and personal lives. Great emphasis is placed on pupils’ personal and character development. Pupils take on leadership roles, support in the local community and participate in a range of activities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. “Pupils are keen to learn. They enjoy their time in school.” The fully inclusive school ensures pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have the same “valuable opportunities” as their friends.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, on Fleming Field, has an “ambitious and broad curriculum” designed to “inspire and motivate” pupils. The school’s approach to teaching phonics helps pupils to become confident readers. Reading is a priority across the school and staff are well trained and deliver the school’s phonics programme effectively. Any pupil who falls behind in reading are provided with extra help so they can catch up quickly.
“Teachers have strong knowledge of the subjects that they teach,” said the report. “They regularly revisit learning so that pupils remember it. Staff frequently check what pupils know and remember. They adapt future teaching to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge. For example, in art and design, pupils build on prior learning to develop as artists and evaluate their own work.”
The Early Years curriculum is “coherently planned and sequenced” with a clear focus on vocabulary, communication, language and literacy. Children develop a range of important skills, such as listening to others and speaking with confidence. Staff are dedicated to and passionate about their school community. The school has strong links with the police and fire brigade, who often lead workshops in school to help pupils understand how to stay safe in the local area.
Executive headteacher Lisa Ashton said: “I am very proud of our Ofsted report, which is a celebration of the hard work and commitment of all of our staff, governors, parents and children.
“It recognises many of the wonderful opportunities we have to offer at Our Lady of Lourdes and really captures the exemplary behaviour and attitudes of our wonderful children, who ‘let their light shine’ in what they do every day.”
The primary school was inspected in June, where pupil behaviour was found to be outstanding. Ofsted inspectors carried out deep dives in early reading, mathematics, geography, and art and design.