Ofsted, Catholic School Inspection and External Reports

We are pleased to inform you that the full Section 5 Ofsted Report from our two-day inspection in March is now available (please see a copy of the full report below).

The process was very detailed and rigorous. We would like to thank all those who took part in the inspection, staff, governors, parents and pupils alike.

We are very pleased that the hard work undertaken by all in the school community has been recognised, including the systems in place, the commitment of staff/governors, the enthusiasm of the pupils and the significant improvement to date.

The report itself is very detailed and highlights the strengths and improvements to date at Sacred Heart, as well as the next steps needed to take the school forward. What is very satisfying is that all the areas listed as areas for improvement were within our development plan prior to the inspection.

I have included below some of the findings of the inspection that we are particularly proud of. I do hope that parents and carers take the time to read the inspection report in full as it represents a school that has improved significantly since it’s last inspection, and one that aims to improve further and with the children at the heart of its work.

We are delighted to confirm that the school has been graded

‘Good’ for Behaviour, Personal Development & Welfare and Early Years Provision

OFSTED said that school leaders are aspirational for pupils, including children in the early years. They have strengthened the curriculum to ensure that it is suitably ambitious.

OFSTED were complimentary of the work the school is doing to protect pupils and keep them safe, stating that staff prioritise pupils’ well-being and mental health. Pupils are helped to regulate their emotions and develop resilience. They concluded that pupils feel safe in school. They said that this is because teachers make this school special. Pupils explained to inspectors that using kind words and actions helps them to be happy in life. They feel that they can be different in school and that everybody is treated equally and with respect.

OFSTED praised the curriculum enrichment offer at Sacred Heart, stating that pupils access a huge range of trips, visits and activities that link their learning to the wider world. For example, pupils can play sports, become a school leader, go on residentials to outdoor adventure areas, or be inspired by visitors such as Olympians and artists

Inspectors identified that Pupils are polite and respectful to school visitors. They know the school rules. If incidents of bullying or bad behaviour do happen, they are dealt with quickly and effectively by staff and leaders. 

Inspectors found many positive strengths within the school and were satisfied that the school is making progress towards ensuring high quality teaching and learning for the children at Sacred Heart. The Ofsted inspection was thorough, led diligently and was professionally undertaken. We were open and transparent around all aspects of school life and had much evidence to support the process.

We are particularly pleased that Ofsted recognised the journey of improvements made at the school over the last few years and would like to thank the parents who have supported the school during this time. We will of course address, as we already are, any areas for improvement.

Once again, may we thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially the staff, governors, children and families who continue to provide a positive school life.

Thank you!

On 25^th November 2021, Ofsted visited school to complete a one day monitoring visit. We are very pleased to announce that the school is moving in the right direction towards achieving good at our next full inspection.

Thank you to everyone for all their hard work and dedication and demonstrating the improvements already made. We are well on our way to achieving an improved grading, one that both the children and teachers truly deserve. You can view a copy of the final report by clicking the link below:

Ofsted Monitoring Final Report 25.11.21

In addition to our Ofsted report, we are also very honoured to have received a letter from Edwina Grant (OBE, Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services). The letter congratulates school on the outcome of our Ofsted monitoring inspection and the progress school has made. She extends her thanks to staff, governors, parents and pupils for all their hard work. A copy of the letter can be viewed by clicking the link below:

Letter from Edwina Grant (OBE), 04.01.22

Click on the link below to access the Ofsted Website

Parent View

Parents and carers can give their views of our school at any time during the school year and at the time of a school inspection using an online questionnaire called Parent View.

When our school is notified of its next Ofsted inspection, parents will be invited to give their views about the school to inspectors using the Parent View online facility, as this has replaced Ofsted’s paper questionnaire. Please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact details.

Please register with an e-mail address and a password at https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/

Once your login has been activated, it only takes a few minutes to answer 12 short questions about aspects such as bullying, the quality of teaching, the level of homework set, etc.

Your views are important in helping inspectors make a decision about our school, and to help us know what is going well and what could be improved.

If you do not have a computer or an e-mail address, or if you would like help using Parent View, please come into school and ask at the main office.

Click on the link below to access the Ofsted Parent View Website

Catholic School Inspection

We have pleasure in sharing the report from our recent Catholic Schools inspection. The Diocese recognised that a lot is being done in school and the improvements and potential are recognised in this report. They also praised school for being welcoming “to all within our community” and for the love and protection that we show to the most vulnerable.