St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Waterlooville has received a glowing Ofsted report, with inspectors praising the school’s ‘high ambitions’, strong personal development programme, and ‘special’ relationships between staff and pupils following its recent inspection in April.
The Catholic primary school on Stakes Hill Road underwent its Ofsted inspection on 23rd and 24th April, resulting in a highly positive assessment that highlighted the exceptional connections between teaching staff and children.
Inspectors noted how these meaningful relationships ensure pupils feel well-supported when facing difficulties or concerns.
Outstanding Early Years Foundation
The Ofsted report emphasised the excellent beginning children receive in the early years programme.
“Children get off to an excellent start in the early years. Teachers provide activities that engage children’s curiosity and interest,” the report stated.
“They create opportunities for children to work both independently and in a group. Children show high levels of concentration and resilience.”
The school demonstrates elevated expectations for all pupils, who benefit from a carefully structured curriculum that clearly outlines essential knowledge requirements.
Teaching staff regularly assess pupil understanding and provide detailed feedback to ensure effective learning consolidation.
Headteacher’s Response
Headteacher Richard Cunningham expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as appropriate recognition for his team’s dedication over the past six years.
“This outcome is a fitting acknowledgement of the hard work done by all of the staff of St Peter’s over the past six years, a time period which we must not forget included the huge disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Cunningham said.
“During the inspection the pupils were a credit to themselves, their families and their teachers, and gave the very best impression of St Peter’s to the inspector as they do to all guests and visitors to the school.”
Phonics and Reading Excellence
The inspection found that staff effectively implement the phonics programme, with early years pupils demonstrating confident phonics application.
Inspectors observed that pupils across the school enjoy engaging with a broad and varied selection of texts.
SEND Provision
The report highlighted the school’s ambitious approach towards pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“The school is highly ambitious for pupils with SEND and ensures they follow the same curriculum as their peers,” inspectors noted.
“There are effective systems in place to ensure pupils with SEND are identified early and accurately. The school closely monitors the needs and outcomes for this group.”
Mr Cunningham expressed particular delight that the school received recognition for its personal development provision, which inspectors identified as a key strength closely aligned with the school’s mission.
Areas for Development
The report identified that in certain foundation subjects, teaching staff do not consistently adapt their instruction to fully support SEND pupils in accessing the complete curriculum.
Consequently, some pupils may not achieve their full potential, and the school should continue developing teachers’ specialist knowledge in this area.
The inspection confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective and that a robust culture of pupil safety pervades the school environment.
