A school where children were said to be failed by poor teaching is beginning to turn things around.
Holy Spirit Catholic school on Poulsom Drive in Bootle received a scathing report following a two-day Ofsted inspection in May 2019.
Teaching, the report said, was "inadequate and limited the progress of pupils".
The school was rated inadequate and placed in special measures, with staff advised to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Former headteacher Marcella Armstrong left the school in Autumn 2019, and a letter sent to parents that December said Clare Roberts had been appointed as head of the school.
During an inspection on February 20 and 21 this year, Ofsted found the school was making huge moves in the right direction.
Leaders, the report says, “focused on bringing stability to the school”.
Since the new head’s appointment “relationships have been further strengthened at all levels”.
Ms Roberts is also said to have prioritised the teaching of reading, writing and mathematics from the early years to Year 6.
“The impact of previous instability in leadership, and the current pandemic, has slowed down the development of the curriculum for most other subjects”, however, subject leaders have ensured “staff have the knowledge and understanding they need to deliver the curriculum more effectively”.
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Staff have been particularly focused on pupils’ physical and emotional well-being during the pandemic.
PE lessons, for example, have been delivered remotely so they can remain fit and active despite challenging circumstances.
Teachers continue to share illustrations and printed text with pupils to help them “regain a love of reading”.
Leaders, the report continues, have worked diligently to successfully rebuild and strengthen relationships with parents and carers.
The school has also been praised for providing extra support to vulnerable pupils and their families.
“You have worked well with other agencies and local charities to ensure that they have had the help that they need”, inspectors say.
Teachers continue to provide additional support to help those vulnerable pupils who are struggling with their learning in these subjects.
“Leaders work well with other agencies, and as a result, pupils continue to access the additional help that they need.”
