St. Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
High Standards and Expectations
St. Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery is a one-form entry primary school in Liverpool. There are currently 213 pupils in Reception to Year 6, and 29 children in the Nursery provision. The school is part of a soft federation with St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, with both schools sharing a single governing body. The local child deprivation rate is 36.8%, with the area the school serves categorised as the fifth most deprived ward of Liverpool, and one of the most deprived areas nationally. The number of pupils currently eligible for Pupil Premium (PP) top-up funding is is 34%. However, Leaders recognise that many of the parents and carers are “working poor”, earning slightly over the threshold to qualify for PP funding but significantly impacted by the rises in the cost of living. An above-average number of pupils have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), currently 24%, and 23% of children speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). The ethnicities and background of children are increasingly diverse, with 54.5% pertaining from backgrounds other than White British.
St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery was judged to be ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in their last inspection (2015) and received an ‘outstanding’ judgement in the more recent Religious Education Section 48 Inspection (2020). During the Covid-19 pandemic, St Sebastian’s local area experienced “a high rate of infection, a higher-than-average number of deaths and a high level of hospitalisations”. School Leaders note that this created “an increased level of anxiety amongst parents and carers” and consequently, the children.
The staff are proud of the high standards and expectations they have for the pupils. Pupils achieve well in statutory tests despite lower-than-average baselines when they enter the school. 2023 data shows that the pupils at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery perform well at Key Stage 2 compared with local and national averages. The Key Stage 1 phonics screening results were 4.3% above national and reflect an upward trend in phonics attainment at the school.
Excels
From the outset of the IQM assessment process, it became evident that St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery excels in organisation through the comprehensive documentation submitted. The ability to provide evidence for every aspect of the assessment day showcased the school’s meticulous approach to record-keeping and accountability. This not only ensures transparency but also facilitates informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
The inclusive ethos of St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery is palpable from the moment one arrives. There is a genuine sense of care and commitment to the children and their families, which sets a welcoming tone for all stakeholders. Intergenerational links further strengthen this ethos, as families fondly reminisce about their time at the school and aspire for the same enriching experience for their children.
One striking aspect of St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery is its focus on outcomes. By equipping all children with the skills for success, whether academic or holistic, the school ensures that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive. This commitment to raising aspirations is particularly significant given the demographic challenges of the area it serves, including the high levels of deprivation. The positive outcomes speak volumes about the effectiveness of St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery’s approach.
Feedback from parents and carers overwhelmingly reflects their satisfaction with the provision offered by the school. They express happiness with their children’s experiences at the school, highlighting the supportive and nurturing environment that contributes to their child’s overall wellbeing and development.
Strong Commitment to Enrichment
During the assessment day, the Assessor was particularly impressed by St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery’s adeptness in adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs of pupils. There is a clear understanding of the nuances of SEND, with effective strategies employed by the staff to ensure that every child is included in the learning process. High engagement levels, exemplified by creative learning activities, further reinforce the effectiveness of the school’s provision.
St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery demonstrates a strong commitment to enrichment through external visits and a diverse range of clubs. This ensures that pupils have access to experiences that they may not have otherwise encountered, levelling the playing field for all pupils. Moreover, the positive School Parliament pupils reflect the vibrant characters within the school community, further reinforcing the sense of inclusivity and belonging.
The commitment of the Senior Leadership Team to the inclusion agenda is evident through the active involvement of Governors in school affairs. This highlights the importance placed on inclusivity within the school’s leadership structure. Additionally, the cohesive teamwork ethic among staff members underscores their dedication to supporting the holistic development of every child.
In conclusion, St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery stands as a wonderful example of inclusivity. Through its clear ethos, positive outcomes, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and development of every child, St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery exemplifies excellence in inclusive education. The school serves as a model for fostering a learning environment where every individual is valued and supported to reach their full potential.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.