The school where children know they are 'valued and cared for'
Sacred Heart RC Primary School underwent its most recent inspection by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate earlier this month where it received top marks.
Children at Sacred Heart Primary School were praised for their exemplary behaviour in the report. (Image: Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School) The report praised pupils at the school: 'The behaviour and attitudes of the pupils are truly exemplary. This is due to their strong voice and active involvement in decision-making.
'They undertake a wide range of valuable leadership roles, demonstrating genuine respect, and support for one another.
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'They know they are valued and cared for by the adults with whom they spend their days.
'It gives pupils experiences which help them to come to know God and to understand their faith in many special and unique ways.'
As well as praising pupil behaviour, the inspector also noted that the school 'proclaims its love of God and its prime mission to 'Love One Another' with joy and enthusiasm' and that 'students who attend the school are very fortunate.'
The pupils were praised for their individuality and inclusivity. (Image: Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School) The report states: 'They know God loves them as individuals, each gifted with particular talents that they are called to share with others.
'They show deep respect for each other, including those of other faiths and cultures.
'As one pupil told inspectors, 'Pope Francis says we should encounter others, so we understand them better, and realise they are just the same as us'.
'Pupils demonstrate high levels of awareness of Catholic social teaching and the implications for taking action, especially when it comes to speaking truth to power, human rights, social justice, and caring for our common home.
'The charitable and community engagement undertaken by the school is beyond outstanding, having contributed financially and practically to more than twenty five charitable causes in the last year or so.'
Students at the school continually seek to be 'Like Jesus', the inspector noted, praising a strident commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of individuality, even when this requires courageous decisions and action.
The report also praised the school's commitment to help pupil's families, often through difficult circumstances.
Pupils demonstrated a strong awareness of Catholic teaching, the report noted. (Image: Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School)
The report states:' Chaplaincy provision is particularly strong, and the care for families and pupils whose circumstances make life more challenging, often goes beyond that which can be reasonably expected.
'Some of this provision, done away from the public eye and with the dignity and privacy of individuals maintained as a priority, is literally life changing.'
Character and architecture of the school was also highlighted by the inspector as 'distinctively Catholic' in its character, as well as 'thoughtful additions' to the school's provision, such as the urban farm, the vardo, a real grape vine and three fire pits.
The inspector notes: 'The strong commitment to caring for our planet is lived out, through the installation of solar panels, the growing of crops and wildflowers, the urban farm, recycling and repurposing.
'Parish links are strong, and the parish priest is a much valued and frequent visitor.'
Sacred Heart Primary School was marked as outstanding in all areas, including for its Catholic life and mission, Religious education and Collective worship.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school was ranked as outstanding.
Headteacher Martin Johnson said: 'The whole Catholic inspectorate covers everything you are as a school including behaviour, leadership and values.
'We are proud for the opportunity to showcase everything we do and how our students live each day.
'We are also extremely proud of our children, their families, our Parish and the wider community. Our dedicated staff team and governors have played a monumental role in making the school as special as it is.'
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