Primary school in Lostock Hall turns rating around in recent Ofsted inspection

A school previously told it requires improvement celebrated its turnaround as Ofsted awarded ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ ratings.

Our Lady & St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, in Lostock Hall, impressed inspectors during a visit in October.

While no single-word rating is issued by Ofsted as of September, it awarded ‘good’ ratings in the ‘quality of education’, ‘behaviour and attitudes’, ‘personal development’ and ‘leadership and management’ categories. Meanwhile, its early years provision was rated ‘outstanding’.

Among the areas singled out for praise were the ambitious curriculum, aspirations for children with SEND, the wide range of trips and clubs, and the pupils’ sense of community pride.

The inspectors wrote: “Pupils enjoy coming to this happy and caring school. They have positive relationships with their peers. Pupils appreciate how well cared for they are by kind and nurturing staff.

“This helps pupils to feel safe in school. Children in the early years make a remarkably strong start. They learn to manage their emotions and to consider the feelings of others. Pupils are well prepared for each stage of their education.”

The school will host an open event from 3.45pm-5pm on Thursday, November 28, with places still available for September’s intake in pre-school and reception. Visits at other times can be arranged by contacting the school office.

Headteacher Kerry Harvey told Blog Preston: “‘We are immensely proud of our outcomes and grateful for the continued support of our wonderful school community. Our staff have worked incredibly hard and our children are thriving with the challenges that the new curriculum brings.”

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