St Helen's Catholic Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

Pupils at St Helen's Junior love their school. Its inclusive, welcoming ethos ensures that pupils are settled and happy. Pupils are kind to each other. They constantly live out the values instilled by the school, such as respect and courtesy. Pupils consistently meet the school's high expectations. Their conduct is impeccable. Pupils willingly follow the school's behaviour policy and think it is fair. Any behaviour incidents are usually minor and are quickly addressed by staff. Pupils feel safe at school. They trust each other to behave considerately. Pupils have confidence in staff to keep them safe. Pupils pay attention in lessons and are keen to learn. They find lessons enjoyable. They work hard and expect to do their best work. Pupils take pride in the high-quality presentation of their work. Pupils enthusiastically embrace the many exciting things there are to do at school. There is a wide range of clubs before school, after school and at lunchtimes. For example, pupils in Years 3 and 4 love attending the junior choir. Pupils of all ages are proud to take on responsibilities such as reading ambassador and eco-buddy.

What the school should improve

• Curriculum plans in a few subjects do not identify precisely enough the small steps of knowledge that pupils need to learn, or how these lead to more complex knowledge. This means that pupils' learning does not grow in depth over time, and they do not retain what they have been taught. The school should set out the specific, well- sequenced steps of knowledge that pupils must learn in each subject to ensure pupils build the complex knowledge they need.

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