St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School achieves second highest category by Estyn

St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School was rated ‘good’ in all inspection categories, which included: standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, support and guidance, and leadership and management.

Describing pupils' wellbeing as being at the "heart" of the site, the report said: "All staff work hard to ensure that there is a caring and inclusive environment within the school. This has a positive impact on pupils' progress, their behaviour, and their very positive attitudes to learning.

"Pupils enjoy coming to school. All teachers and support staff have high expectations of pupils. Many pupils start school with literacy and numeracy skills that are below those expected of pupils of a similar age.

"Most pupils make good progress during their time at school, especially in their speaking and listening skills.

"Teachers provide a broad and balanced curriculum, and exciting experiences and challenges to engage and enthuse pupils to learn. The school promotes pupils’ understanding of their Welsh culture and heritage very well through its curriculum and activities.

"The headteacher provides strong and purposeful leadership. Together with a conscientious team, she is improving pupil outcomes, and raising pupils’ and parents’ aspirations successfully."

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The report added that the school, which accommodates for 241 pupils between ages three to 11, ensures that pupils make "good progress" in their learning.

It said: "On entry to the school, many pupils have literacy and numeracy skills that are below those expected of pupils of a similar age. During their time at school, most pupils make good progress, especially in their speaking and listening skills. Pupils with additional learning needs make good progress towards their individual targets.

"In both the foundation phase and key stage 2, nearly all pupils listen attentively to adults and to each other. They respond to instructions and questions confidently and express their opinions clearly. Many pupils use a mature vocabulary "naturally in conversation. For example, more able pupils in the reception class explain clearly how a pebble can float on a wooden raft, and that an object that does not float at the surface or sink to the bottom is an ‘anomaly’. Pupils in key stage 2 discuss their work in detail and explain their roles and responsibilities within the school clearly."

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Councillor Gail Giles, who is Newport City Council’s cabinet member for education, congratulated the school on its achievement, saying: “Well done to all the staff, governors, pupils and parents on St Michael’s RC Primary School for this glowing report. They should be very proud of the high standards that have led to this successful inspection. I’m sure they will strive to continue and build on the good work they are doing.”