The headteacher of St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has welcomed a report that praises her school as a “haven of calm”, in stark contrast to the negative headlines its estate sometimes attracts.
Joanne Coe was delighted with a “good” judgement from Ofsted, and especially with the warm words from the inspectors.
“I am absolutely delighted that St Gerard’s has been recognised as a haven of calm for our pupils,” Joanne said. “Hemlington has been at the forefront of lots of negative press in the last few years, but I can say that it’s a genuinely wonderful place to work.
“The children are an absolute delight to be around, and the support we receive from our families is truly incredible. To know that the children feel loved and cared for is simply amazing and everything we aim to achieve.”
The report highlights reading, maths and help for children with special educational needs and abilities as particular strengths, saying the teaching and learning model put in place by Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) is implemented consistently across the school.
“Staff make the school a haven of calm for pupils,” it says. “The school’s Catholic values and clear behaviour policy help to teach pupils about the importance of behaving responsibly.
“Pupils understand the significance of the school’s nine virtues, such as respectfulness and decency. These virtues reinforce high expectations and make pupils feel loved and cared for at St Gerard’s.
“Pupil conduct in lessons and at playtime is impressive. Pupil sports leaders plan and support lunchtime activities. This develops their self-confidence and communication skills.
“Pupils reflect positively on the school’s programme to support their mental health. Pupil ‘happiness heroes’ support the well-being of their peers.
“The school proactively works with external agencies and the local authority to support pupils with SEND. The school has made vast improvements in adapting tasks for pupils with SEND.
“The local governing body holds leaders to account through a clear trust framework. The link governors visit the school termly to challenge and support leaders at all levels.
NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty shared his praise for this school and acknowledged the work undertaken by the leaders and staff.
“It’s wonderful to see St Gerard’s continue to offer a quality Catholic education and I am sure this will be welcomed by the entire St Mary’s Cathedral parish community,” he said. “There is a coherence and consistency to their reporting.”
Joanne said the inspectors’ positive comments also reflect her experiences of working with families on an estate that has its challenges.
“St Gerard’s is a special place to be part of and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to lead a team of dedicated and hardworking staff who go above and beyond for the pupils in our care,” she said.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to the team of leaders, teachers, support staff, including lunchtime supervisors, office staff, kitchen staff, cleaners and the site operative, who all work tirelessly to ensure our children are provided with the best care and education possible every day. Thanks must also go to NPCAT members for their support.
“We could not have achieved what we have without the support of the whole school community – our parents and carers, governors, parish, the diocese, our incredible staff and last but by no means least, our incredible children. We will continue to build on everything that we have achieved so far, and St Gerard’s will go from strength to strength.”
Chair of governors Don Lillistone added: “The Ofsted inspection report is a testimony both to the professional expertise of the staff and to their deep personal commitment to the education and wellbeing of every pupil.”
St Gerard’s, which is on Avalon Court, has 186 pupils aged from three to 11. NPCAT is a family of 38 Catholic schools throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside. All 32 of its primary schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.