Ofsted applauds Liverpool school for adapting the delivery of the curriculum for SEND pupils

St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has recently been praised by Ofsted for raising its expectations for what pupils should learn.

The school received a ‘Good’ rating from the educational body after a 14-year period without an inspection.

The report commends the school’s high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they achieve well during their time at St Matthew’s. Inspectors noted that St Matthew’s identify pupils with SEND early and that staff support them well, adapting the delivery of the curriculum appropriately to help these pupils access their learning.

SEND Coordinator (SENDCo) at St Matthew’s, Toni Gaskell, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our inclusive practices reflected in the Ofsted report.

“At St Matthew’s, we believe that every child, regardless of their needs, deserves the opportunity to excel. This recognition is a testament to our tailored support and high expectations for all our pupils with SEND.”

Ofsted inspectors were impressed by the positive relationships between pupils and staff, noting that students feel safe, well cared for, and happy.

Behaviour and engagement in lessons were also praised, with inspectors observing that most pupils engage well and behave sensibly when moving around the school. Ofsted said that the school fosters a sense of aspiration and entrepreneurship with initiatives like operating tuck shops.

The report further highlighted that pupils at St Matthew’s are actively involved in shaping their extracurricular activities, with school councillors regularly gathering input from their classmates to propose new clubs. This has resulted in a diverse range of activities, from sports clubs to unique offerings such as a trading card club and a slime club.

Headteacher of St Matthew’s, Claire Sime, expressed pride in the school’s achievements, stating: “This Ofsted report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our parents.

“Over the past 14 years, we have navigated numerous changes in education standards and inspection frameworks. Achieving a ‘Good’ rating in such a dynamic environment is a tremendous success and a clear indication of our commitment to providing an environment where every child can thrive. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”

St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School looks forward to building on this success and continuing to provide high-quality education and care for its pupils.