Ofsted Says East Cowes Primary School ‘Needs Attention’ In Several Key Areas

An Isle of Wight primary school has been told it “needs attention” in several areas including achievement, curriculum, teaching, leadership and governance following a recent inspection.

Inspectors identified inconsistencies in teaching at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School.

The school had previously been rated ‘good’ for overall effectiveness by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate last year.

In the latest inspection, the school was awarded ‘strong standard’ grades for early years, personal development and wellbeing, alongside ‘expected standard’ for attendance, behaviour and inclusion.

Headteacher Lucie Banks said the school is proud that inspectors recognised the “caring, inclusive ethos” at Holy Cross and the strong relationships between staff and pupils.

Inspectors found that pupils enjoy coming to school and that leaders ensure children feel safe and well supported so they are ready to learn.

However, the report also highlighted that the curriculum and teaching have been “less than secure” over time.

As a result, some pupils have not learned “as well as they should” and have not achieved the outcomes they are capable of.

Ofsted said school leaders are aware of the issues and have already taken action to improve the curriculum, although some inconsistencies in teaching remain.

The report noted that some older pupils currently have “gaps in their learning”, largely because improvements to teaching and the curriculum are relatively recent.

Inspectors added:

“Pupils with disadvantages or vulnerabilities are well looked after through the school’s pastoral support.

“Leaders place pupils’ personal development at the heart of the school’s work.

"The school’s approach aligns with its values of kindness, confidence and excellence, which pupils demonstrate in their daily interactions."